Obituary of Ralph Edwin Hudson, Sr.

Ralph Edwin Hudson Sr., of Peabody, died peacefully at his home Friday morning, after a 4 month battle with colon cancer. A life long resident of Peabody, Ralph was born on January, 17, 1918. He was the son of the late George Frederick Hudson and Josephine (Little) Hudson, originally from New Brunswick, Canada and formerly of Pierpont Street, Peabody. A 36 year City of Peabody employee, Ralph retired from full time employment with the school system at 84 years old. He was also a former leather industry employee with Denny O’Connor Leather & Whoefle Embossing on Foster Street in Peabody. Ralph married his wife of 59 years, Shirley (Nichols) Hudson on December 27, 1947. They had three sons, Ralph Jr., Richard and Robert, who passed away in 1998. An avid candlepin bowler with the FRISCOS and golfer with the SKALS of Peabody, Ralph enjoyed both sports until 2003. Ralph was a huge fan and advocate of the Red Sox, the Patriots and particularly Peabody High School’s football team. A strong, hardworking family man and dedicated husband, Ralph is survived by his wife, Shirley and his two sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph Edwin Hudson, Jr., and his wife Lynn of Annapolis, MD, and Richard A. Hudson and his wife Jyll of Salem,and their two children Samantha and Katelyn Gordon. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Jodi A. Hudson of Weehawken, N.J., his grandson, Robert A. Hudson, Jr., and his fiancée, Krista Dunlap, both of Salem, his granddaughter, Kristen Hudson and her fiancé, Brad Esposito, both of Peabody. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Tyler Howes and Bradley Esposito. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody Facility. The family will have a private graveside service Monday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peabody High School Football Boosters Club, C/O of Peabody High School, Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960 or the Special Olympics, P.O. Box 303, Hawthorne, MA 01937