Raymond E. Dudek Jr. of Ludlow passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023. Born in Ludlow on February 23, 1942: Son of the late Raymond E. and Anna (Zwizinski) Dudek. Ray was a graduate of Springfield Trade High School. He was President of the Senior Class, a four year member of the Student Council, and a member of the soccer team and was all Western Mass fullback. He worked 37 years at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks CT; first as a Plastic Tool Maker, Leadman, Foreman and then as Process Engineer in the Space and Sea Systems prior to his retirement in 1999. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ludlow where he served on various committees, leaving the church as age and illness dictated. He enjoyed music and playing the accordion with various musical groups in the area. Ray was a member of Mt. Orthodox Lodge of Masons, Scottish Rite, and Melha Temple and Shrine Center where he was a member of the Melha Military Band since 1979 where he served in many capacities including twice as President and several years as Secretary. He also was Leader and Manager of the Melha German Band for 25 yrs. He served as Past President of the North East Shrine Band Association. Ray for many years was an active member of the Advisory Board of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and served as Rainbow Dad. Ray was Past Patron of James W. Hannum Chapter #150 Order of the Eastern Star, serving 6 different years. He leaves his wife and best friend Sandra L. (Gaugh) Dudek of 61 years, 2 daughters RuthAnne Collins and husband Peter of Waterford, CT, JoAnne Bobrek and husband Miroslav (Bo) of Ludlow, Grandchildren Nicole, and husband Mike, Allyson and husband Ryan, Derek Raymond Pisieczko, and 5 Great Grand Children. He also leaves a brother Fredrick and his wife Barbara of Colorado Springs, CO and other nieces and nephews. Burial will be Friday, May 26, 2023 @ 10 am at Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow, MA followed by a Celebration of Life at Tony & Penny’s Restaurant, 18 Canterbury Street in Ludlow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond’s name to Shriner’s Hospital, [email protected]. The Grise Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com