Joe Dudley

Born Salem, Massachusetts, 1943, known by all as Joe, he met his wife of 57 years, Lee, on a blind date; a favorite story of theirs to tell. The story is still told today because Joe’s friend and Lee’s cousin, Larry, set up the date. Larry is a routine visitor and close family member to this day.

Joe’s education (a Bachelors and Masters) was the basis for a 40 year career in teaching. He was loved by his students and was a leader of his peers in union negotiations. He moved his young family to Danvers, Massachusetts where he and Lee raised their family for 20 years. They followed their oldest daughter to Florence, Kentucky where they stayed for 25 years with Joe continuing his teaching in Cincinnati OH. For the past 8 years they lived near their youngest daughter, Kristen and her family, in the Raleigh, NC area.

Joe was an anchor for his family as well as friends. Hard work and love of family were keys to his constitution and soul. He considered himself a lifelong Bostonian and with a Red Sox hat on, he could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. But, Joe wasn't just there for a story. Handyman Joe was famous for lending a helping hand, no matter the circumstance, and had a passion for cars. He loved to work on family and friend’s cars and tell stories of the models he grew up with in the 50s and 60s. His family was most important though. Joe and Lee were always the host for the holiday dinners, no matter where they lived, and their children cherish the time they and the grandchildren were able to spend with Joe. No one will forget the most important part of any holiday dinner; the whipped cream and the recipe that only Joe knew.

He was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Eva (Daudelin) Dudley, and his sister Dorothy (Dudley) Gavel. He is survived by his wife Lee (Leona Doleski) and his three children: Jodi Dudley (Robin Rothman) and beloved grandchildren, Justin and Jaime. Frank Dudley (wife, Glaudy (Moreno)), and beloved grandchildren, Isabel and Natalia. Kristen (Dudley) McClain (husband, Scott) and beloved grandchildren, Danielle and Cameron.

Services will be held Thursday, July 21 at 11:00am at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 725 Magdala Pl, Apex, NC 27502. A Facebook livestream will be presented on Joe's Facebook page.