John Edward Dudley, Sr.

JOHN E. DUDLEY, SR. died of pancreatic cancer November 4, 2005 at his home in Bel Air, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from Baltimore City College and attended McCoy College at Johns Hopkins University.

While managing The Red Apple in Ocean City, Maryland, he provided job opportunities for local residents and students. He also invited many foreign students to work and visit the U.S. Some student workers returned home with a wonderful impression of our country. Others became citizens and one has become part of our family.

The beach was always a boating, fishing, amusement park, crab-eating party, bringing together family and friends. Food was both his business and a way he expressed love as he cooked and shared with others.
Travel was also a favorite activity. Annually, the extended Dudley family packed up and went from New York to the Florida Keys for weeks at a time.

John and his wife Betty welcomed many foster children into their home. In honor of their meritorious service and generosity, the Governor of Maryland invited Mr. and Mrs. Dudley to Annapolis to receive personal thanks and congratulations for helping foster children. They were truly giving and caring to those in need. Many of those children, one in particular, Robert Redel, remained by his side until the end.

John Dudley’s favorite hobbies included collecting antiques and model trains. John and his grandchildren frequently worked on their train platform.
John had an amazing ability to enjoy working hard, being with people, sharing his good fortune and remaining calm under any circumstances. The world is a better place for his having lived here.

Mr. Dudley is survived by his son John, E. Dudley, Jr. and his wife Carmen of Bel Air, daughter Ethel J. Kefauver and her husband Bryan, of Bel Air, grandsons Matthew J. and Alexander E. Dudley, both of Bel Air, granddaughter Alicia M. Dudley of Bel Air, two brothers, Edward M. Dudley, Jr. of Simsbury, CT, and Robert R. Dudley of Baltimore, two sisters, Glenda Kirssin of Joppatowne, and Susan Ulatowski of Bel Air, nieces, nephews and grand-nephews. His wife, the former Betty Hammel, predeceased him.