Obituary of Bernard Hodakowski

Bernard Hodakowski, 84, formerly of Hudson, passed away on March 5, 2016. The world lost a wonderful man today. A handsome man who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Anyone fortunate to have known Bernie would always say the same thing about him, that he was a "true gentleman". He had such a sweet way about him and treated others with kindness and respect. He was a loving Husband, Father, and friend. He will be sadly missed. Born in Wilkes-Barre, on August 4, 1931, he was the son of the late Adam and Helen (Pudafalski) Hodakowski . Bernie graduated from Plains High School in 1949. After graduation, Bernie was employed by Frieder's Cigar Factory in Parsons before serving in the Korean Conflict 1950-1953. Upon completion of his service, he returned back to Wilkes-Barre and married the love of his life, the former Rosemary (Rhodie) Nallon of Parsons. The couple had two children, daughter Roseanne and son Bernie. The family resided on West Stanton Street for most of their lives. Bernie was employed as Assistant Traffic Manager at Metropolitan Wire, Parsons for many years. Then later on in life he worked for the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. Throughout his life Bernie loved all kinds of sports, especially football and baseball. He played baseball and softball most of his life. As a young man, Bernie was recruited to play Triple A baseball. Unfortunately, it was a dream he was unable to fulfill because he was at the same time called to serve in Korea. Bernie loved going to all sporting events, from little league baseball, to local high school and college football games. He especially loved Penn State games and never missed a bus trip to see them play. Upon retirement Bernie and his wife would go to Florida for the winter and loved staying in the Cape Canaveral Area where they enjoyed the beach, bike riding, and witnessed several launches from the Kennedy Space Center. The Florida trips were the highlight of his retirement years. Bernie and his wife also enjoyed their summer cottage at Harvey's Lake and loved to have large cookouts and parties with family and friends. Bernie had a wonderful life, because he always enjoyed his life. He was grateful and content always. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Rosemary, Brother's, Joseph, John, Stanley, Francis. Sisters, Irene Stashik, Florence Tempalski, Josephine Kandrac, and Helen Pradziad. Bernie is survived by his children Roseanne Pryor, Orlando, FL and Bernie Hudler, Purcellville, VA. Grandchildren, Adam and Matthew Hudler, Virginia, Tomek Radnor, Wilkes-Barre, Lukasz Radnor, Colorado. Niece Ann Schuster, Maryland and many nieces and nephews. Bernie's funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 9:30 am from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains Twp. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 in St. Benedict's Parish, Austin Avenue, Parsons. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Joseph Kearney, Pastor. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Plains Twp. Calling hours will be held on Monday Evening, at the funeral home, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. To leave words of condolence for the family or for directions to services, please visit www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.