Obituary of George Dudich

George Dudich was born in Cuprija, Serbia on May 1st 1922 and passed away July 15th 2008 at the age of 86. Proceeded in death by his Father Milija and Mother Milka Dudich, brother Tihomir, Sister Olga Pesic, and niece Zivka Petkovic. George came to the U.S. in 1951 followed by Dosta (Seka) Mandich, his wife of 56 years. George was a member of the Chetnik Freedom Fighters who fought for democracy in Yugoslavia during WWII where he took part in the rescue of some 600 U.S. airmen as they were shot down over enemy territory. Because of his heroism, George was recognized by President Truman who facilitated his entry to the United States. He worked for Roadway Express for 33 years and will be remembered by his many friends as a kind and very giving person. George left his life here on earth in peace at his home surrounded by loving family members and caregivers. George was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a passion for nature; taking pride in his garden, overflowing with herbs, fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. George also raised honeybees and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was proud of his Serbian heritage, Christian Orthodox faith, and being an American. Even though George struggled with illness over the past four years, he lived every day with optimism, purpose, and a passion for life. George leaves behind, his loving wife, Dosta; his five children: Mildred Stanisic with sons Stevan, Nik and Alex; Dorothy and Richard Headley with Rich and William; Elaine and Mike Stolte with Tijana, Natasha, Anjelaka and Michael; George and Karen Dudich with George III and Alexandra, and Nada and Daniel McGuinness with Macy, Miles, Madison and Max Elliott along with numerous nieces and nephews. George was a member of St. Demetrius Serbian Orthodox Church for over fifty years. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., where a Parastas will be held at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be held Monday at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Broadview Heights, at 12:00 pm, where George will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Interment at St. Sava Cemetery. Donations in George's memory may be made to the St. Demetrius Serbian Orthodox Church Building fund 3106 Ridgewood Rd. Akron, OH 44333. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME