With deep sorrow and gratitude for a life of service, we announce the passing of Richard Paul Gudis, loving husband, father, proud grandfather, and devoted naval officer.
Born in Newark, NJ, on January 8, 1931, Dick was the son of Max and Laura Gudis and older brother to Harvey, who predeceased him in 2024. He grew up in Patchogue, Long Island, New York. In 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on various ships and Mediterranean deployments.
In 1953, Dick was stationed on the USS Constitution, the oldest continuously serving naval vessel in the United States Fleet. While in Boston, he met Sarah Harlow Peters. They married in May 1955. Sarah was Dick's rock and raised their family during his frequent deployments. They had six children: Claudia, married to Captain Victor R. Fiebig, USN, Retired; Mary, who predeceased both parents in 2004; Suzanne, married to Jim Chapman; Jennifer, married to Robert Callaghan; Lt. Col Richard P. Gudis II, USA; and Diadre. Sarah and Dick instilled an enduring legacy of faith and service in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The family moved frequently, sometimes every two years or yearly. Sarah created loving homes for her husband Dick and their children in the U.S. and abroad. Each move was a chance to meet new people and experience new cultures. As the family grew, they welcomed 10 grandchildren, Andrew, AJ, Brian, Wesley, Laura, Sarah, Jeffrey, Christine, Theodore, and Samantha. Benjamin, one of the grandchildren, passed away as an infant. Their love extended to great-grandchildren: Natalie, who died in 2011; Raelynn; Haley, Darcy; Hadleigh; Maura; Sadie; Amelie; James; Connor; and Maggie. All affectionately and fittingly called their grandfather "Grumpy."
Dick continued his distinguished service in varied sea and shore roles, assigned to diesel and nuclear submarines, support vessels, and staffs. After a successful career he retired in 1977; continuing his dedicated to the submarine force.
After retiring, Dick worked for General Dynamics' Electric Boat Division before fully retiring to pursue golf and becoming active in the Knights of Columbus. With the Knights, Sarah and Dick led the effort to provide gift cards for young enlisted service members and their families at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. Their efforts raised over $50,000 to bring comfort and care desperately needed by the service members, and in remembrance of their own early married struggles. Above all, Sarah and Dick's compassion for others continues through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who are dedicated to faith, country, and one another.
Dick will be remembered at a Mass of Christian Burial and interred at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
Fair winds and following seas. |