Richard F. Hudacky

Richard Francis Hudacky, 48 of Cranesville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, on March 25, 2018 following a brief illness.
     Rich was born January 14, 1970 in Erie to the late John and Charlotte (Vogt) Hudacky. He grew up in his childhood home in Cranesville with 5 siblings, John, Larry (Theresa), Sara (Frosty), Michael (Melissa)and Kirk (Jenna).
      Rich began working across the street from his family home at Crowley's Restaurant at the age of 16. He worked his way into the hearts of owner's Jack and Norma Jean Crowley who were to become a second set of parents to him. For a few years, he worked for Lake City Homes where he helped build modular homes. Eventually, following an injury, Rich came back to his Crowley's family. Many years and good times passed as he worked his way up the chain of command to Head Chef, a job that he loved above all others. Food was art to him and while creating beautiful dishes was his passion, his superiority was in his ability to work longer and harder than most. Throughout his life, he never worked just one job. He built, roofed, drywalled and cared for countless properties in Erie county and would be the first to volunteer if a friend needed help. He would do anything for anyone and even though work monopolized much of his time, there was someone who was never far from his thoughts…
    In 2001, while Rich was the chef at Crowley's, a girl was hired as one of his cooks. He fell for her immediately and with her he would gain a family that adored him. Parents; Gino and Janet and 3 more brothers; Aldo, Gino (Katie), Dominic. As they started their life together things were rocky, as they often are, so he did what he knew he had to, no matter how hard...he quit drinking. And even managed to make it look easy. Soon after they had their first daughter, Camille and a few years later Cecilia came along. His 3 girls were his reason for being. The reason he toiled, struggled and pushed to better himself. In 2011 he left the job he loved to work E.U.P for the betterment of his children. While at Edinboro he was blessed to find another work family that anyone would be lucky to have.
     He was a zealous enthusiast of the Pittsburgh Steelers and his patient nature gave him a love of fishing that kept him happy until the end. Always volunteering, he and a good friend coached his daughters softball team.
     He never complained, was tough as nails and an unfailingly hard worker. He was selfless in all things, forever gentle and caring, always optimistic and trustworthy. He was the best of us, The Salt of the Earth. The most devoted, loving and thoughtful husband and daddy the world over. It's no surprise then that his wife would often come home to this note, “If the truck is missin’, we gone fishin”.
     Rich was preceded in death by his beloved brother, John Hudacky; parents, John & Charlotte Hudacky; Grandparents;John & Sophie Hudacky, Dewey & Nina Vogt. A cousin; Alex Wadsworth and his best friend and brother, Tim Snodgrass.
     Rich will sorely missed by his adoring daughters Camille 14, Cecilia 11, and by his loving wife Toni; By his 13 nieces and nephews, whom he adored; And countless family and friends.
 Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m and 6 to 8 p.m. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard and are invited to attend services there on Friday at 10 a.m.
 Burial will be in the Francis Cemetery.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard Hudacky Memorial Fund, C/O Edder Funeral Home.
 To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com

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