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Richard J. Hudak, Jr., 62, of Allentown, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus. He was the beloved husband of Lisa R. Hudak (Flintrop) with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary this coming May.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on October 12, 1963, Rich was the son of the late Richard J. Hudak, Sr. and Betty J. Hudak (Cheon). He was also predeceased by his sister, Laura Hudak.
Rich is lovingly survived by his wife, Lisa, and his four children, of whom he was immensely proud: Christopher J. Hudak (Erica) of Bethlehem; Nicole L. Hudak of Pennsylvania; Jaclyn R. Dedos (Angel) of Whitehall; and Scott R. Hudak (Gianna) of Laurys Station. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie Newcomb (Jason) of Clinton, New Jersey. Rich was the proud grandfather of Colton and Brooke Hudak, as well as Leyla, Gabriel, and Hailey Dedos, who were truly the apple of his eye. He is further survived by his mother-in-law Rose Flintrop and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by love, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to others. He and Lisa built a life grounded in faith, partnership, and deep companionship. Each morning, they began their day together reading devotionals—a ritual that remained constant, even during Rich’s hospital stays.
A lifelong entrepreneur in finance, insurance, and real estate consulting, Rich was widely known for his integrity, determination, and fierce advocacy on behalf of his clients. Many of Rich’s clients became lifelong friends, a true reflection of the trust, care and personal connection he brought to everything he did. To those who knew him well, Rich was the person you called when something needed to be fixed—because he could fix just about anything, and he would willingly drop everything to help. Serving others was never an inconvenience; it was simply who he was.
Before illness limited his physical abilities, Rich cherished active time with Lisa, especially playing pickleball and biking together. He loved summer days spent in the pool and quiet evenings sitting around the firepit, talking with anyone who wanted to pull up a chair and share a conversation. He found joy in connection, presence, and simple moments.
Rich shared a unique and deeply meaningful bond with each of his children, rooted in time, conversation, curiosity, and shared experiences. With Chris, it was a natural connection through strategy, competition, and thoughtful discussions around business, tennis and billiards. Nicole shared Rich’s love of quiet moments—Coffee Clutch Saturday, deep conversations, firepit talks, and working side by side fixing things. With Jacki, Rich found a fellow lifelong learner, sharing laughter, community involvement, adventures, and an endless appreciation for a good dad joke. Through Scott, Rich lived vicariously in scouting adventures and travels, bonded by a shared love for hands-on work and the trades. They enjoyed their early morning breakfast runs and long talks at their favorite spot, Syb’s. Each relationship was different, yet all were grounded in love, overflowing pride, and Rich’s unwavering presence as their dad.
Rich adored his little dog, Lucy, whom he affectionately called his “little princess.” As his health declined, he continued to find comfort in small routines—sharing a Wawa coffee, taking peaceful drives with Lisa, and holding tightly to togetherness in whatever form it took.
Rich fought with everything he had, facing extraordinary medical challenges with courage, strength, and determination. He never stopped trying, never stopped hoping, and never stopped loving. In the end, while Rich fought valiantly, his body—and God—had other plans. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his resilience, his warmth, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the quiet, faithful way he showed up for those he loved.
Services: Family and friends may pay their respects from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Friday, January 30th in the church parlor prior to the service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the adjacent church cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196. OR Wipe the Tears ministry by giving to Jordan U.C.C. Community School System in Liberia.
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