Remembering Deacon Gordon Hudec

(Denver Catholic file photo)

Deacon Gordon David Hudec, who ministered the charity of Christ for nearly four decades as a husband, father, grandfather and ordained deacon, entered eternal life on February 7, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.

Born March 23, 1945, in San Diego, California, to Frank Hudec and Julia Hodina, Deacon Hudec was baptized on April 29, 1945, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish and confirmed on April 11, 1957, at Our Lady of Angels Parish. On February 19, 1966, he married the love of his life, Julienne Louise Faucher, at Sacred Heart Parish in San Diego. Their 46-year marriage was marked by faithfulness, generosity and service until Julie’s death in 2012.

After discerning a deeper call to serve the Church, he was ordained to the diaconate by then-Archbishop James Francis Stafford on May 9, 1987.

Through more than 35 years of ordained ministry, Deacon Hudec served the faithful at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Wheat Ridge, St. Joan of Arc Parish in Arvada, Christ on the Mountain Parish in Lakewood, St. Augustine Parish in Brighton and St. Mark Parish in Westminster. He was deeply committed to deacon leadership and to hospital ministry, where his steady presence, humor and compassion brought comfort to countless families. He retired from active ministry in 2020.

In his secular profession, Deacon Hudec was a proud United States Navy veteran who bravely served in the Vietnam War. He later worked for the Adolph Coors Company in the container division, maintaining the automated machinery.

He is survived by his children, Michael, Heidi and Alicia, and by eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and extended family who were his great joy.

Deacon Hudec once reflected on his vocation by saying, “The most rewarding part of parish ministry for me is seeing our Catholics return to God and our Church.” He also believed deeply in the deacon’s closeness to the people: “I see spiritual ministry as the most important function of the deacons in our parish, because there aren’t enough hours in the day for Father to minister to all the needs of our parish. Another representative to help meet with the people, visit the sick, conduct classes and meetings, all in the spiritual sense.”

“Deacon Gordon lived what he proclaimed," said Deacon Ernest Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons. "He loved Christ, he loved Julie and his family, and he loved the people entrusted to him. Even in his final hours, surrounded by those he served first at home, we witnessed the quiet dignity of a servant returning to the Lord he followed for so many years. Our fraternity is stronger because he was our brother.”

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Vigil & Rosary: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:30 p.m.

Both taking place at St. Mark Parish, 3141 W. 96^th Avenue, Westminster, CO.

May the Lord grant rest to his faithful servant and bring comfort to those who mourn.

Requiescat in pace.