Thomas James Hudak, Sr., 95, of Holmdel, NJ passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024.

Tom was born October 31, 1928 in Bayonne, NJ the last of ten children. He graduated from Bayonne High in 1946 and was the first graduating class of Bayonne Junior College in 1948. He received a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from University of Virginia in 1951, the same year he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Bauch.

While at the University of Virginia, Tom was a member of Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. During his senior year, he served as president of the student chapter of the A.I.CH.E. After graduation, Tom continued support of UVA as a member of Alumni Association, Virginia Engineering Foundation Thornton Society, the Virginia Rotunda Society, and the Thomas Jefferson Society.

Tom spent his 39-year career at Exxon retiring in 1990 as Operations Manager of the Aviation Synthetic Turbo Oil Manufacturing Operation at Bayway Refinery in Linden. He also held positions as Product Security Manager from 1982 -1988, and worked in Traffic, Business Analysis, Product Costing, Economics, and Engineering while at Exxon. After retirement from 1995 – 2005, he was the Treasurer of the ExxonMobil Annuitant Club of Navesink, Inc.

Tom first settled in Elizabeth where he was active in St. Genevieve’s church as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Parish Council President. He was also a member of Chant Choir and the Cursillo and Marriage Encounter Movements. After 26 years, Tom moved the family to Middletown and St. Mary’s Church, Colts Neck where he was Eucharistic Minister and member of Volunteer Maintenance Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Environmental Committee, Church Lector Ministry, and Contemporary Choir. He was selected as St. Mary’s outstanding Man of the Year in 2002 for distinguished and outstanding service. He also volunteered with VITA, helping low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Tom was a homebody, although he did indulge Doris’ wanderlust with various trips around the world. His other hobbies included vegetable gardening, puttering around his home and cars, and joint DIY projects with his good friend and neighbor Andy Pineiro.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Anna Hudak, five brothers, John, Joseph, George, William, and Michael, four sisters, Mary, Anna Domnick, Catherine, and Helen Denais, and beloved wife of 73 years, Doris B. Hudak. He leaves behind daughter Susan Monticello and son-in-law James Monticello, son Thomas J. Hudak, Jr. and daughter-in-law Mandy Leung Hudak, daughter Janice Hudak, and daughter Veronica Hudak-Moe and son-in-law Kenneth Moe. He is survived by his grandchildren, Michelle Monticello and husband Marck Borre, Jenna Monticello and husband Dan Nelson, Thomas J. Hudak, III, Anastasia Hudak, and Morgan Hudak, who all lovingly called him “Goppy.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Tom’s name.

Viewing: Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel NJ – Monday, October 14, 2024 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Funeral Mass: The Parish of St. Mary’s, 1 Phalanx Rd, Colts Neck NJ – Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM