Kenneth T. Hudok, Jr.

June 10, 1973 – February 10, 2025

A Celebration of Ken’s life will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Nisker’s Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar, 5051 W. Main St., Kalamazoo. Ken’s final gift, a gift of hope for future generations battling glioblastoma, was the donation of his brain to the University of Michigan for research. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Brain Tumor Network at https://www.braintumornetwork.org/donate/.

Obituary

Kenneth Thomas Hudok Jr., a man whose life was defined by adventure, laughter, learning, and love, passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 51, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born in Steubenville, OH, to Kenneth Hudok Sr. and Judith Scheel Bender, Ken spent his early years in Stratton, OH, before moving to Chantilly, VA, where he graduated from Chantilly High School in 1991. His adventurous spirit led him to Williamsburg, VA, where he worked at Busch Gardens, the Williamsburg Hilton, and Domino\'s. His time at Domino\'s included donning \"The Noid\" costume to deliver pizzas at William and Mary basketball games, a testament to his playful nature.

It was at William and Mary in 1993 that fate intervened, bringing Ken and Tiffany together through a mutual friend. Their connection was undeniable, and Tiffany knew almost immediately that she had met her future husband. They married on a warm summer morning, August 3, 1996, at Crane Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Ken\'s thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. He earned a bachelor\'s degree in computer science from Kent State University and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College. This dedication to learning fueled a successful career that took him from network engineer at the Department of Energy to leadership roles in cybersecurity at prominent organizations like Promontory Financial Group and Jackson Financial, culminating in his role as enterprise architect of cybersecurity for Meijer. He also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University, where he developed a cyber program.

Ken\'s journey through life, both personal and professional, was marked by a love of travel that took him to the far corners of the world. His career afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, from London and Hyderabad to Singapore and Hong Kong. He and Tiffany also embarked on a memorable European adventure in 1995, navigating the continent even after a minor setback involving a stolen passport in Paris. His love of travel extended to leisure, with numerous cruises exploring the Caribbean islands. Summers spent with his sister Gretchen and her family created cherished memories that will be treasured forever.

Family was paramount to Ken. He and Tiffany cherished the arrival of their daughter, Zoe Jameson, and their son, Benjamin Xander. Ken was a devoted father, building strong connections with his children by wholeheartedly supporting their individual passions. He shared Zoe\'s love of music, especially bands like The Wallows, and rekindled his own interest in Premier League soccer, Formula One racing, and video games alongside Ben.

Ken’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He served as an Oshtemo Township Trustee from 2016-2020, working tirelessly to improve local governance. His passion for helping others extended beyond politics, and after his glioblastoma diagnosis, he dedicated himself to supporting fellow cancer patients. His personal motto, \"Be Impactful, drive change, and be the tide that raises all ships,\" reflected his approach to life.

A devoted fan of Pittsburgh sports, Ken cheered on the Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers with passion. He was a Star Wars aficionado, having immersed himself in the expanded universe, and a strong advocate for secure coding, both professionally and as an educator. Above all, he cherished the meals prepared by his wife, Tiffany.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Hudok Sr.; his grandparents, Paul & Jane (Straka) Hudok and Katherine Eileen (Conrad) Scheel; his uncle, Christopher Hudok; and two cousins, Amanda Welday and Denise Petrisko. He is survived by his wife, Tiffany; his children, Zoe and Benjamin; his mother, Judith Scheel Bender; his grandfather, William Scheel; his sister, Gretchen (Bryan) Foster; his nephews, Elijah and Mason; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends.

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Veronica Egan
1 year ago

Ken-You were one of a kind and a heck of a guy!! You will be hugely missed and I will forever treasure the times we laughed and cried. Love, Veronica

Lynne Hoehle
1 year ago

It’s crazy how time flies. It seems like yesterday we were campaigning for Ken.” The Family Man” In Osthemo with the Girl Scouts. It was an honor to be a part of that. One always feels welcome at Ken and Tiffany’s home with Ken”s humor and Tiffany’s good food and well planned events. Regardless if Ken accidentally sets the deck on fire! My heart goes out to Tiffany, Zoe, and Ben for their great loss. Hold them close.

Richard Price
1 year ago

I am a Canadian and I spend time in the US visiting my friends that own Niskers. I would see Ken at times when he came to Niskers Char Grille. I noted that Ken had many friends as Ken was always talking and laughing with people at Niskers. As such, most of my interactions with Ken were saying a quick hello as Ken, even though he was talking with people, knew that I was from Canada and always took a brief monument to acknowledge me. That all changed in August 2024 when Ken was sitting at the bar at Niskers all alone and like always we said hello and we just started talking. In retrospect, I feel so fortunate that I finally had the opportunity to get to know Ken better and I am wishing that I had the opportunity to get to know Ken better many years earlier. Shortly after that meeting, where we exchanged respective contact information, Ken reached out to me and provided me the terrible news of his glioblastoma diagnosis. Ken approached his diagnosis with a will to fight, an acceptance of what life dealt him, and with a determined optimism that he was going to fight this disease. I can not find the words to describe my deep respect for Ken’s actions and for the way that Ken conducted himself discussing his diagnosis with his friends which was very moving to say the least and showed me just how strong a man that Ken was. On reflection I could never have been as candid as Ken was with his matter-of-fact discussions focusing on all aspects of the disease and most importantly hope, if not for him, but for others which is why he made his donation for research. All I know is that everyone that knew Ken lost a great human being on February 10-2025. I for one will always honour and never forget Ken.

Phil Huggins
1 year ago

I worked with Ken for only a few years but I always enjoyed his company and respected his work. We loosely stayed in touch over the years and I was always happy to hear from him. He was a good man and I am saddened to hear of his passing and I will miss him.

Al Fischer
1 year ago

Our condolences. Ken was our new team member, and we were eager to have him. He jumped in with both feet and was a great guy to work with. Only here for short time and will be missed.

Kathy Dickason
1 year ago

Tiffany, I am so sorry. This is such a tremendous loss. Sending hugs and love and prayers. May the love of friends and the memories you share help to heal that huge hole in your heart.

Rebecca Wrotny
1 year ago

Tiff….I remember the day you two met….I remember the budding romance….I remember the day you became engaged (and was so happy to have interfered to get those pictures). What a great love with a kind and caring man. He will be missed and my thoughts are with you, Zoe, Ben and the rest of your family. May Ken watch over you all and no l Ionger be in pain

Stephen Jones
1 year ago

I worked with Ken for a few years (he at Jackson & I at Prudential), and will forever remember his constant humour, kindness and charm. Whenever he came to London, he was always full of fun and life, always up for a beer (explains why we got on) and never shy of having a chat about this and that. He was always sharing things he’d done at home with the family, and was incredibly proud of you all. I know you all miss him tremendously, and adapting to life without him feels impossibly hard – but I hope it helps that he left so many people better off for just knowing him, I for sure am one of them.