CAPT Terry M. Dudash, USN(Ret) (December 5, 1945 - August 29, 2024)

Terrence Mark Dudash, 74, unexpectedly passed away on August 29, 2024 in his country home in rural Wakefield, Virginia.  He was born in Gary, Indiana; the son of the late Frank William Dudash and Ethel Veronica Anduski Dudash.  His friends and family knew him as “Terry;” to his fellow aviators, he was “Dash.”  Since 1974, he called Virginia home; although some might argue that taking to the skies also made him feel at home.  
Terry retired as a Captain in the United States Navy after 24 years of military service where he had a distinguished career as a naval aviator centered on the Navy E-2 Hawkeye aircraft.  Of note, Terry commanded VAW-126, an E-2C squadron known as the “Seahawks,” during an extended wartime deployment in which he led the first E-2C-controlled airstrike for Desert Storm.  This tour of duty resulted in his receipt of numerous air medals, the meritorious achievement medal, and the bronze star.   Following his highly successful command tour, he was hand-selected to serve as the Mini Boss and Air Boss of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) where he trained 700 flight deck personnel in preparation for the ship’s commissioning and maiden deployment.  In 1996 Terry retired from active duty; although he continued to serve naval aviation for another 28 years as a highly respected Navy flight instructor.  
Ardent aviator. Steadfast neighbor.  Loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Dog Dad to Rambunctious Riley and Itty Bitty Dusty, who he affectionately called, “Little Boy.”   
Terry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Ann Shea Dudash; daughter, Katherine Ann Dudash Durlach; son, Derrick Andrew Dudash; and grandchildren, Connor Durlach, Kaylin Durlach, Luke Dudash, Tyler Dudash, and Jack Dudash.
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A memorial service will be held at Naval Station Norfolk; details will be posted soon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 228, Ivor, VA 23866. (Source: Parr Funeral Home & Crematory)

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