Wesley H. Hradek

Wesley H. Hradek passed away Wednesday March 7, 2018. He was born March 3, 1924 in Chicago IL, to Louis and Anna Hradek and attended Farragut HS pursuing music. After graduating, he entered the US Army in 1943, and served as a forward weather observer in the Pacific Islands until his honorable discharge in 1946.

Mr. Hradek returned home to continue his education at Northwestern University in Chicago, and upon graduation with a music degree, took a job teaching orchestra at Bowie High School and later at Burges HS, as well as various elementary and middle schools in the El Paso School District, retiring after 38 years. He became a member of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in 1951 playing violin, and occasionally served as concertmaster, retiring after 40+ years of dedicated service.

Mr. Hradek was a central figure in the local classical music scene, regularly performing with musicians such as Abraham Chavez, Bruce Nehring, Robert Semon, Lucy Scarbrough, Ruth Lewis and Joe Cueto. He continued teaching privately, and throughout his career mentored thousands of students who still seek him out to say thank you.

Mr. Hradek is survived by his beloved wife Lillian Romo Hradek, sons Mark and Michael, grandchildren Lindsey, Noah, Taylor, Adam and Rachel and great-grandchildren Colton, James, Elani and Wesley Jr., daughters-in-law Deborah and Whitney, niece Deborah Brown and a nephew Randy Hradek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lou Hradek, and great grandson Colton.

Visitation will be at Crestview Funeral Home at 1462 N. Zaragosa on Thursday March 15, from 4 – 9pm with a Rosary at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar on Friday, March 16 at 12:30pm, followed immediately by burial at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 5200 Fred Wilson Ave at 2pm. The family requests that donations be made to the EPISD Fine Arts Program of your choice.

Wes, your calm, gentle soul will be missed. Vaya con Dios.