+Fr. Berard Dudek, OFM Conv.

+Fr. Berard (Charles) Dudek, OFM Conv., was born in Baltimore, MD on August 31, 1927, and passed on June 4, 2017.   He was the son of Martin and Catherine (Druzd) Dudek, Sr.  In addition to his Franciscan family, he is survived by Sister-in-law Joanne Dudek, many nieces and nephews, and their families.  He is predeceased by his brother Dan and wife Delores, and his brother Martin, and brother Leo and wife Mary.

After attending St. Francis High School, Athol Springs, NY, Friar Berard entered St. Lawrence Novitiate of the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Becket, MA in August 1945.   He professed his vows on August 15, 1946, and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Michael’s Cathedral on June 24, 1954.  He attended St Bonaventure University, Olean, NY and St. Hyacinth College and Seminary.

Fr. Berard was beloved at Bishop Ryan HS, Buffalo, NY where he was assigned from 1954 to 1971.  Pastorally he served at St. Casimir Parish, Baltimore, MD from 1971-1976; Pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Baltimore, MD from 1976-1982.  From 1982 to 1985 he was the Associate Pastor of the Basilica of the Assumption, Baltimore, MD.  From 1985 to 1988 he was elected as Vicar Provincial of St. Anthony of Padua Province. In the years from 1988 to 2005 he was assigned to St. Stanislaus Kostka, Parish (Shamokin, PA), St. Casimir Parish, Riverside, NJ, St. Casimir Parish, Baltimore, MD, and finally in 2001 to St. Hyacinth Parish Auburn, NY.

Retiring in 2005, Fr. Berard moved into St. Mary Hofbauer Friary, Baltimore, MD.  Fr. Berard was not idle in retirement.  He was a man of many interests devoting himself to developing his computer skills, music, among other interests.  He was always interested in what was going on in the life of the Province, but also in your personal life.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Casimir Church, 2736 O’Donnell St., Baltimore MD 21224.   A Franciscan Wake Service will take place at 7 p.m.   On Thursday, June 8, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. preceded by visitation beginning at 9 a.m.  Interment will be in the Friars’ Plot, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Baltimore, MD immediately following the Funeral Mass.  Memorial Donations may be made to the Franciscan Education Burse, 12300 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042.

Funeral arrangements are by Kaczorowski Funeral Home in Baltimore.