Matthew "Papou" Dudenake

Matthew Michael Dudenake “Matty”, born in Pocatello, Idaho, and a 58-year-old resident of Las Vegas, passed away May 20th peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Matthew was born on June 10, 1928 and was the youngest of 10 children born to Greek immigrants from Crete.

His father, Michael, worked for the Union Pacific Railroad when arriving in the U.S., and eventually opened several businesses including the Emerald Tap Room and Dude’s Place, a well-known local diner.

Matthew attended Pocatello High School where he lettered in basketball and football in which he made All-State in 1946. Matthew graduate and soon after enlisted in the Army. After serving, he returned to Pocatello where he helped run the family businesses at the bar and diner for 15 years. During that time, Matthew was well known for his incredible voice and was compared to Sinatra appearing at numerous social functions in Pocatello. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

After making a brief stop in Long Beach, California, Matthew and Patsy moved to Las Vegas in 1962 where he was a salesman for Sproul Homes and then for Deluca Liquor and Wine where he eventually retired after 40 years.

Matthew was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Francis se Sales church where he volunteered for the school lunch program for 30 years and was a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was very proud of his Greek heritage, even having his children work the Greek Food Festival for numerous years.

Matthew’s life was always centered around one thing, his love for his children and grandchildren for whom he lived every day. He was greatly loved and will be truly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Maria Dudenake, and siblings Basilios, Thespo, Criso, Katherine, Harry, John, Chris, Paul, and Helen.

He is survived by his children: Shellie (Joe) Petty, Mary (Hank) Girardi, Tisa (Ric) Bertolaccini, Matthew Dudenake Jr., and Mark (Michelle) Dudenake, and grandchildren Anthony Nicolas, Christian, Marissa, and Alexis.

A funeral service for Matthew will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 from 11:00 AM at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 1111 N Michael Way, Las Vegas, NV 89108.