Hugh “Sam” S. Dudley Jr.
Age 74, Son of the late Elizabeth McClernon Dudley of Dublin Ireland and the late Hugh S. Dudley SR of Inniskillen Ireland. Beloved husband of 52 years to Linda (Vail) Dudley. Died peacefully at home on February 18, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Belfast Ireland came over here on the Queen Elizabeth when he was 6 years old. Sam attended Waltham High School and from there enrolled right into the U.S Navy as an engineer on the U.S.S Peterson during the Cuban missile crisis where he received a medal of honor.. His ship was in the movie PT-109 as the German destroyer (For only 5 minutes). Sam was also on the U.S.S Alacrity ship. He then went on to work as an elevator mechanic for Beckwith Elevator Co. from 9/1/1962 and retired in 10/1/2004. He then began to work part time locally at the Hanson Ace Hardware from 2007-2015. His interests and hobbies included gardening, yard work, crossword puzzles, playing his guitar, carpentry, and reading. He loved family gatherings cruising, loved his scratch tickets, his witty jokes, a perfect cigar, and never failed to visit his late son James Dudley every day. He lived for a good conversation and lunch at D’Ann’s Restaurant in Abington MA. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Abington MA as well.
In addition to his wife Linda, Sam survived by his Daughters Kelly Dudley of Kentucky, Kerry (Dudley) Croke and husband Lee Croke of East Bridgewater, His son John F. Dudley of Lakeville, the late James Vail Dudley of Hanson MA, also His 5 Grandchildren Nikki Saccone of Whitman MA, Carly and Brandon Richardi of Hanson MA, Kelsy Dudley of Bridgewater MA, and the Late Amanda Dudley of Plymouth MA, two great grandchildren Joey and Sammy Saccone and many nieces and nephews. He was the younger brother of Frederick and wife Edith Dudley of Florida and also younger brother to his two sisters Marie and her husband David Chaission, and the late Dorothy Terrassi of Acton.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held Friday, March 4 at 11am at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Hanson. Friends may have the visitation with the family at the church gathering area from 10am until the time of the mass. Interment with military honors will follow at Fern Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sam Dudley Family Scholarship, c/o Mutual Bank, 430 Liberty St., Hanson MA 02341 to be given to graduating seniors at Whitman Hanson High School in theatre, drama, show choir and performing arts.
A very special thank you to the caring staff at Old Colony Hospice, at Dana Farber Thoracic Oncology Department in Boston and the Brigham & Women’s Oncology Radiation Department.
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Linda, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on Sam’s passing. I know how much you loved and cared for him and I am sure he did too. Please take care and know that my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Much love, Maureen
Dear Linda,
What can be said but sorry. You were there every minute for Sam and I know it was very much appreciative. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him at the pier and I will remember that for you would never know there was anything wrong. Take care. Love Sylvia
Dear Linda, Art and I send our deepest condolences to you. Art always enjoyed seeing Sam at ACE. Your love for Sam will live on and he will feel it every day. May your family, friends and your deep faith bring you comfort. We are so sorry that we will not be here for the service. As a fellow Navy man, and friends, Art and I so wanted to be there. We will be sure to stop by and see you at some point. Much love to you and your family, Art and Linda
Dear Linda and family, so very, very sorry.. such a great man.. You are in my thoughts and I am sad that I will be unable to attend the special celebration of life for dear Sammy. Hugs to all.
Rose
My most sincere condolences on your loss. God Bless
Dear Linda,
I express my deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Sam.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Love, Anna
Linda, I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. Sam was a bright light in your life. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda our Sincerest Condolences to you and the entire Dudley Family at the time of sorrow and loss. Sam was a Beautiful person inside and out with a Heart of Gold. He was one of those closest friends to us that we enjoyed being around. Always had a good joke or two. He is going to be deeply missed, but know that he is suffering no more.
If there is anything that we can do please do not hesitate to call me.
Like Jesus we Love You and grieve with you at this time of sorrow.
May The Peace Of The Lord Be With You And The Entire Dudley Family Now And Always.
Love In Christ,
Frank & Roberta Fichtner
I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My hearts go out to you during this trying time and may my prayers serve as comfort to you and your loved ones.
Linda, It was a pleasure to meet Sam at the cruise terminal. I’m sure you made some beautiful memories during your cruise to Bermuda. My prayers go out to you. May God bless you and your family during this time of sorry. Linda Dowers
There are no words for us to express how very sorry we are for your loss. We love your family very much and we want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda,
My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. You are a strong woman and Sam was very blessed to have had you….
Much Love, Elke
I can not imagine a more wonderful family to have had living next door to us for the last 40 years. So many wonderful memories of Jimmy digging weeds with me and John and Scott building wood and snow forts and parading down the street on their big wheels. Kelly and Kerry were the wonderful big sisters Scott didn’t have. Going to each others cookouts and celebration. Sam’s singing on the porch at the A-Frame in New Hampshire. Being there when the lights go out or a cup of sugar needs to be borrowed. Thank to all the Dudley’s for years of good memories. We know what a loss Sam is to all of you and will keep you all in our hearts.
Linda I am not sure if you remember me but I am Barbara Slupski’s sister. I am so sorry to hear from John about Sam’s passing. I met you and Sam several times years ago and remember you two as a beautiful loving couple. My heart breaks for you and your family and please know you are in my prayers. Love, Bonnie Meyn
My sincere condolences to the Sam Dudley family. Sam and I worked together at Beckwith Elevator Co. for over thirty years, serving our apprentices on many of the same jobs. Sam always had a good story to tell. Most recently we would get together at retiree luncheons and share stories about our children and grandchildren. He will be missed along with his friendship and many interesting stories.
Sincerely, Russ Whitney
Neil and I want to express our deepest condolences to all of Sam’s family. He will be missed by all who knew he. Sam always brought a smile to anyone who was around him! I was always happy when Sam & Linda would come in for lunch at D’Ann’s because I knew Sam was going to make us all smile and laugh. Sad to say good bye to you Sam my buddy! May you rest in peace my friend. xo