Obituary of J. David Hudson

J. David Hudson, a proud US Navy Veteran and maintenance craftsman passed away on Friday night, January 15, 2016 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 81 years old. David was born in South Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Clinton and Eufa Hudson. He grew up in Charleston and was a graduate of South Charleston, High School. At 17 years old, Dave enlisted in the Navy where he spent 10 years in active duty and 12 years in the Reserves as a cook and Seabee. He served on the USS Willis A. Lee, U.S. NAS Anacostia, D.C., USS Murray, and USS Sellars, as a cook and eventually a Seabee. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal (Europe) and Good Conduct Medals. The best part of his military career was, while stationed in the Charlestown Navy Yard, he met and married his first wife, Barbara Ann (Cormier). While in the Navy, they were transferred to Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and South Carolina. During this time they started their family. After leaving the Navy, they returned to Somerville, MA where they raised their four children. Dave worked at AVCO which later became Textron for over 20 years as a maintenance craftsman. He maintained the buildings, reconfigured work stations, and worked on any other project requiring his mechanical skills. He retired in 1990. Dave’s life revolved around his family. He was very blessed to have 2 wonderful women in his life. After his first wife Barbara passed away at the age of 52, Dave was fortunate to meet and later marry, Mary (Cunningham) Hudson. They have shared the last 26 years together. They first lived in North Reading for 10 years and then spent the last 15 years in Barrington, NH. He was very proud of his four children and was very active in their lives growing up. He was their coach and umpire when they played baseball and assistant scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts. His sons fondly remember activities and events they participated in with their Dad, especially the annual Boy Scout Winter Camping trips. Dave loved being a grandfather. His grandkids and their friends fondly referred to him as “Pawk”. Dave never forgot his West Virginian family and friends. Every year, one family vacation was spent traveling to West Virginia with his children. Dave would always drive in a car packed full of kids and luggage making the road trip in just a day. He and his children were fortunate to have a close bond with their West Virginian aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dave had a number of interests and activities. He was an avid golfer playing at Hillview, Sagamore, Rochester, and Colonial Golf Courses. He played in a number of bowling leagues over the years. He was a member of the Saint Anthony’s Holy Name Society. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, but camping was his most enjoyable pastime. He started tent camping with his children. It evolved to a small pop up trailer, motor home, and finally a permanent camper complete with plumbing and satellite television. For over 30 years he was a seasonal camper at Old Stage Campground in Madbury, NH where he had many longtime friends and neighbors. He also took his motorhome cross country several times reaching Alaska twice during those extended vacations. Camping brought him, his children and grandchildren lasting memories shared together. Dave lived his life well, serving his country, providing for his family and brightening the lives of all he touched in his 81 years. Dave was the devoted husband of Mary Patricia (Cunningham) and the late Barbara Ann (Cormier). He was the loving father of Donna Smith of Wareham, David & his wife Doreen of Upton, Raymond & his wife Maria of Burlington and Ellen Cobuccio & her husband Louis of Tewksbury. He was the brother of Esther Long of OH, Paul Hudson of WV, Anabelle Monk of WV, Naomi McCracken of TN, Rachel Kinder of WV, Sharon McClure of WV and the late Carter & Basil Hudson. He was the stepfather of William Beagen of Haverhill, Michael Beagan of N. Andover, Theodore Beagen of Lowell & his longtime companion Patti Aloisi of N. Andover and the late Maureen. Dave was so proud to be “Pawk” to his 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was also survived by many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. Followed by Funeral Services at the Heritage Baptist Church, 129 Lexington St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Memorials in Dave’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.