Weehawken, NJ—The Weehawken community is mourning the loss of Andrew Dudek, a cherished friend and long-time resident, who passed away last night after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Andrew, a stalwart member of the community, grew up on Cooper Place, where he became a familiar and beloved figure through his many roles and contributions.
Andrew’s early years were marked by his service as the neighborhood newspaper boy, delivering the Jersey Journal or Hudson Dispatch to homes across Weehawken. Beyond his work, Andrew was deeply involved in the community’s recreational activities. He was a regular participant in whiffle ball, touch football, street hockey, and roller hockey games that filled the neighborhood with joy and camaraderie.
His passion for sports extended to ice hockey, where he was coached by Frank McGady in Secaucus. “Andrew was the backbone of our team as the goalie,” McGady shared on Facebook, reflecting on the significant role Andrew played. “Later, he hung up the goalie pads and became a hockey referee, continuing his love for the sport in a new capacity.” McGady also reminisced about a 35-year-old photo that captured one of their draft sessions, with Andrew proudly in the lower right corner—a memory that encapsulates the joy and unity of their shared experiences.
The news of Andrew’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and memories from friends and community members. JP Stahl, another friend, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Andrew was always a great person and had fun all the time we played hockey, especially on the tennis courts by the Lincoln Tunnel.” Kevin Welton echoed these sentiments, recalling, “Great memories of being a young kid and playing hockey with the older guys on the basketball courts in the park by your house.”
As the community grapples with the loss of a figure who touched so many lives, Andrew’s legacy continues to be celebrated. His contributions, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Although cancer may have claimed his life, the memories and impact of Andrew Dudek will endure in the hearts of his friends, family, and the Weehawken community.