Get Well Soon - Bob Dudajek

Update - 4/2/2010 - Bob is doing great please visit Bob's Personal page

As some of you may know, my dad is about to begin intense chemo and radiation therapy for a recently diagnosed cancer in his lymph gland (neck).  His prognosis is currently not known, but hopefully the next two months will be all he needs to get back onto the “over 40” softball team before the season is out!

I am writing to you because I believe you might be able to help me pass the long chemo hours with him with some good stories.  All of you have met my dad over the course of the past 40 years.  Some of you have great funny memories of him, while others may remember the tough stern dad of 4 young daughters. 

Whatever your circumstance may be, I am sure there is a memory of him that stands out your mind that you think he might enjoy recalling.  I am in the midst of putting together a book for him to read with comments from those who have crossed paths with him.  Please consider jotting down a memory, a comment, or even just a good wish for him to enjoy while going through this difficult time.  What a gift it would be for him to know in life what so many think of him, or what memories they hold.  You can email me your comments or you may mail them to me if you wish.   Lastly, if there is a friend or family member of yours that you think might like to participate, please pass this message along.

Thank you so much. I appreciate your speedy response.

Sincerely,

Denise Dudajek Newman

denise.newman@fpks.org
 

Bob,
My thoughts and prayers are with you...
Speaking of thoughts, I seem to remember hearing your name for the first time when I came to Central Automotive in 1973.  We were in the PAB at the time - 15th/16th streets between 8th/9th Avenues.  I was in the office in room 1577A.  (Helipad on the roof).  What a building !
I recall Al Sage mentioning you - something about trying to get a softball game going in the Modification Shop on the second floor.  I mean, it was a big shop, but...

Not long after that, we were all sent packing to different parts of the Port District as everyone vacated the PAB.  The office went to One World Trade Center. I believe we were on the sixty fifth floor?  Pat Mourges, Al Robertson, Bob Schwartz, Tom Vessenmeyer, Pete Joyce, Joe Felia, Peggy Carmody, Kathy Farley, Charlie Karcher, Lou Ciccolello, Lou Orlando, Ruth Singer, Julia Barrow, Jim Keegan, Fritz Schwarting, Irv Sheraga.  I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but these names just popped into my head as I ponder life of about 35 years ago...  The Central Shop picked up and moved to Port Elizabeth.  Pretty sure it was Bldg 2270.  I went out there soon after - for about a year, as the shop clerk.  Remember?  I did the timekeeping, petty cash, the used car lot, getting the breakfast sandwiches in the morning, etc.  Half the building was CAD, the other half was the stockroom.  Trudging in during the snowstorms was pretty memorable.  CAD staff was always working to keep the fleet moving.  I have fond memories of that time.

I remember in the warm weather, playing softball on the street between our building and the next.  That was our lunch break and I seem to remember someone coming to the door and yelling out - hey, are you guys ever coming back in?  I think we yelled back - But, it's a tie score !!

Another time - now remember this is before cars were made to have the headlights turn off automatically... I'm talking the mid-1970s now - I remember one time getting on the loud speaker at the shop and announcing that someone had left his headlights on in his car.  Merusi yelled out from the back of the shop "Don't worry they'll go out by themselves."  It took me a minute or so to realize what he was talking about...
Al Merusi, Mel Booker, Dave Jorgensen, Hal Williams, John and Joe Varriano - - - D A R N  - I know there was a big crew out there.  Guess my memory is fading a bit.  If you remember the rest of that crew, drop me a line when you get a chance - ok?

Bob, sorry for rambling on there.  Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers and that if there is anything I can ever do, please don't hesitate to give me a holler at my home, work or drop me a line at JoeDB@aol.com

Take care and God bless you.
Joe DellaBarca

Hi Bob,
My name is Carmen Pagan and I worked with your father at the Port Authority Newark Industrial Park (about 21+ years ago).  I received an e-mail about your father's illness and I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for him everyday.  We worked in Hoboken, NJ together and I had such a wonderful time there.  He is such a great person and funny too!!  We always shared a good laugh everyday and I know he is a Super Star.  I wish him well and please tell him he might not remember me, but I remember him.
God bless
Carmen

Hi Everyone,
I have reached second base heading for third.  Eighteen more radiation treatments to go.  I feel fine lost two pounds, some minor throat irritation and some constipation. I also have four chemo treatments left.  Thank you for the phone calls, cards, visits, waves of hello, thumbs up (I think) if not, that's how I saw it and entrees into my log journal. Once again the Dudajek women have been the best. As I round  second I'm sure I'll be standing as I cross home plate.  Please keep those Smiles on as you think of us all.  Please reach out to those new members who want to be on the Team.
Thank you Bob