John S. (Duke) Dudik was born on July 26, 1930 in Little Falls the son of the late Michael and Anna (Ulerich) Dudik. He was educated in Little Falls schools.

On March 20, 1954 he was united in marriage to his late wife of 69 years LaVerne (Waldvogel) Dudik in Dolgeville, NY. LaVerne predeceased him on March 17, 2020.

He is survived by his daughter; Deborah Comstock, Dolgeville, NY, the lights of his life his grandchildren; Ryan Comstock and Jena Comstock, Dolgeville, NY, great grandchildren; Lucas and Joseph Benson and Kendall and Eva Gardner, Dolgeville, NY, his Sister Dorothy Frederick, Myrtle Beach, SC, Brother-in-law Tim Schumacher and wife Patricia, Ilion, NY, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers; Michael Dudik in 1992 and wife Judith, Samuel Dudik in 2008 and wife Jennie, and by his sisters; Margaret Dudik, in 1933, Susan Sadlon in 1973 and husband John, Katherine Frank in 1991 and husband John, Anna Dudik in 1992, Elizabeth Ashe in 2000 and husband Francis, Christine Costello in 2010 and husband Robert, Mildred Dudik in 2012, Mary Talaba in 2015 and husband Paul.

Duke proudly chose to enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in August of 1950 and fought in the First Marine Division of the Amphibious Tank unit during the Korean War as armored platoon leader, ending his career with an honorable discharge in 1954 as First Sergeant.

Duke was employed by Chicago Pneumatic in Utica until retirement and worked in real estate with his wife for a couple years under Century 21 Rob Diedrich Assoc. Piseco Lake was Duke and the families' second home for many years for summers and winter weekends and had many friends there. In his spare time, Duke would enjoy time visiting with friends over a cold beer at the Oxbow Inn in Piseco, Dolgeville Rod & Gun Club, Sprite Club and Dopps Inn. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching a good western or war movie on television and taking his Grandchildren to school every day. Duke was a long time member of the Dolgeville Fire Dept as a Fire Fighter and past Fire Chief, Piseco Lake Fire Dept, a Mason at the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge #796 and the National Rifle Association.

Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls. There are no calling hours. A joint Celebration of Life will be held for Duke and LaVerne by the family Sunday May 14, 2023 from 2pm -5pm at the Dolgeville Fire Dept. Helmer Ave, Dolgeville, NY.