Martin F. Hudecek, Jr.

COLONIE – Martin F. Hudecek, Jr., 81, of Colonie, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 26, 2024, after a recent diagnosis of cancer. His death came as a shock to his family given the short time of his illness and the fact that he had already, in his life, survived getting hit by a truck and being struck by lightning — twice.

The son of the late Rose and Martin F. Hudecek, Sr., Marty grew up in Jewett, NY. He graduated from Windham-Ashland-Jewett High School in 1960 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1960-64. Following his honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College. He then started his career at Honeywell in the field of industrial instrumentation, where he met Joan Benedict, his wife of 55 years.  After they were married, Marty went to work at the Robert F. Lamb Company as a manufacturers’ sales representative. In time, he became successfully and proudly self-employed, owning his own business and growing his product line offerings. His success in sales was the result of his persistence and his belief that you should always ask the question because “the worst someone could do was tell you ‘no.’”

Throughout his adult life, Marty was an avid boater and the captain of a succession of four boats, all named Jokar and each an upgrade from the last. Marty was a Past-Commodore of the Council of Mohawk Hudson Yacht Clubs and a dedicated member of Ravena Coeymans Yacht Club for 50 years, serving as Commodore, Treasurer, and various other positions. He prioritized getting involved in all projects and events and took pride in his ability to shop and cook for the masses at the boat club’s annual Steak Roast and Chicken Barbeque. He was well known for his vat of New England Clam Chowder and delicious made-to-order omelets at those events.

Every year, from the time of docks-in until docks-out, Marty loved to spend his weekends and vacations with his family and a tight-knit group of RCYC friends as well as boaters from numerous yacht clubs up and down the Hudson River. Weekends anchored behind Stockport Island and The Hook were frequent, and 2-3 week excursions anchoring out and clamming on Long Island Sound or exploring Lake Champlain were annual.

Marty was an accomplished captain who understood how to navigate any water vessel regardless of tide, wind, or weather. His love of boating led to his undertaking the challenge of studying for and obtaining his Commercial Captain’s license. Combining his love of the water and his entrepreneurial spirit, Marty was a co-owner and captain of the Dutch Apple Cruise Line on the Hudson River for several years.

Known as “The Captain'' to his daughters’ friends, Marty was a man of humor. He was fluent in Dad Jokes before they were a “thing” and never missed an opportunity to get a laugh. His dry sense of humor was well-known and appreciated by all that knew him, and he welcomed opportunities to expand his social circle.

Later in life, Marty and Joan traded in their boat for a “land yacht.” They spent winters in their motorhome at the Happy Days RV Park in Florida. They enjoyed camping, touring, and socializing with friends in the Hudson Valley Allegros and the Susquenango RV Club from spring through fall for whom Marty continued to organize and prepare community meals. He believed that a meal was better shared with a group and that it was a time to come together and socialize.

Marty valued and practiced a life of hard work and effort. Throughout his life, and even in his retirement, Marty was industrious, spending much of his “leisure” time splitting wood, woodworking, and tinkering in his workshop both alone and with his granddaughters. He believed in being on time, always drove the speed limit, and avoided toll roads whenever possible.

Marty loved his family and friends and took care of them through his generosity of time and labor. He mowed neighbors’ lawns and plowed their driveways. He would lend you any tool you needed, and he’d be sure to remind you when it was time to return it. He was a man of many skills and abilities, and to his daughters it seemed like he could fix anything. He repaired curling irons and hair dryers, small engines and bilge pumps. He prepared any cut of steak, burger, roast or bird to perfection, and made the best gravy of anyone around. He knew precisely how to slice meat —across the grain— and never grew tired of trying to show his family members how to actually see the grain. Thanksgivings, Christmases, and all family gatherings will never be the same without his culinary contributions and advice. Hopefully, he will guide us all in our carving and slicing endeavors going forward, but it’s likely there will be some tough meat to chew in his absence.

Marty was predeceased by his parents, his brother Kenny and his brother-in-law John LoPresti. He is survived by his wife, Joan B. Hudecek of Colonie, NY; his daughters Karen (Tyler) Jenks of Syracuse, NY and Stacey Hudecek Richardson of Niskayuna, NY; his sisters Janet Hudecek of Albany, NY  and Judy LoPresti of Jewett, NY; nephews Jay LoPresti, Anthony (Tricia) LoPresti, and David LoPresti; and his granddaughters Kelsey, Chloe, Raury and Claire who will miss their “Pepa” dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Marty’s family on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 3 to 6 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. A service of remembrance will commence at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be private at Memory Gardens. In keeping with Marty’s wishes, please consider memorial contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (www.bgccapitalarea.harnessgiving.org). To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com.