Richard Allen Hudanick passed away on June 28, 2025, after a courageous—and characteristically stubborn—battle with glioblastoma, a relentless form of brain cancer. Born in Alton, Illinois, on February 23, 1965, Rich was the son of Francis and Nancy (Weirich) Hudanick and was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Rich had a curious mind and a steady determination that drove him to earn both an MBA and a Doctorate in Education. He poured that knowledge into a purposeful career, mentoring others along the way and always advocating for learning—his own and everyone else's.
He had a gift for being the “cool uncle”—the one who gave solid advice without a hint of judgment, knew exactly when to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke, and never turned down a toast with a shot of sambuca. His nieces and nephews absolutely adored him, and the feeling was more than mutual.
An avid outdoorsman, Rich was most at home under an open sky. Whether he was racking up miles on a run, tracking game in the woods, or lining up a shot on the golf course, he was always chasing fresh air and a bit of adventure. Off the trail, he was a devoted reader, a lover of good food and even better wine, and someone who never passed up the chance for a meaningful conversation.
Rich is survived by his children: Morgan (Bryan) Vande Sande of Summerville, South Caroline; Jack Hudanick and Lily Hudanick (fiancé Cameron Beine) of Washington, Missouri. He was a proud grandfather to four wonderful granddaughters—Blakely, Elowen, Collins, and Andersen.
He will be dearly missed by his siblings: Jim (Lana) Hudanick, Mary (Todd) Segneri, Robert (Tammy) Hudanick, Sue (Jeff) Dzyacky, and Brittany (John) Palmer; as well as his nieces and nephews: Melina, Natalie, Jacob (Angelica), Joseph, Spencer, Miranda, Madelyn, and Frances.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nancy, and his sister Patty Hudanick. We have no doubt they were there to greet him with open arms.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many friends who stood by Rich during his cancer journey. Your love, laughter, and presence meant the world to him. Deep gratitude also goes to the compassionate staff at Oak Pointe of Washington and Three Oaks Hospice, who cared for Rich with kindness and dignity in his final days.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, July 11th at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home in Washington, MO, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Washington, Missouri. Burial will take place at a later date.
In honor of Rich’s life and legacy, memorials may be made in his name to Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, IL.
