Paul A. “Dude” Held, Jr., age 79, resident of 579 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2010 at his home from the results of ten years of Alzheimer’s disease. Born on August 25, 1931 in Cambridge Springs, he was the son of the late Paul A. Held Sr. and Ida Benedict Held. He had lived all of his life in Cambridge Springs. He married the former Mary Elizabeth Rust on December 21, 1950 and she remains.
Dude graduated from Cambridge Springs High School in 1950 where his accomplishments were outstanding. Very active in musical events, Dude played drums in the High School marching band beginning in the 4th grade. While in High School, he was chosen for Regional and State band and was also accomplished in choral events. In his senior year he was chosen for the national FFA band in Kansas City. After high school, Dude was employed for seasonal work at the Carnation Milk Plant in Cambridge Springs for a time, but enjoyed mostly working on the family dairy farm where he had a number of riding horses. From 1961 until 1986, he worked for Conrail Railroad, (Erie Railroad), retiring in 1986.
As a faithful member of the Cambridge Springs First Baptist Church for 67 years, Dude was active there as Sunday School superintendent and a Sunday School teacher. He was a Deacon for many years and was honored as the first and only Deacon Emeritus. He enjoyed the Men’s Fellowship, served as Church Treasurer, and served on many committees over the years. Dude was very active at Camp Judson, a Baptist affiliated camp located on Lake Erie. He served there on the Board of Commissioners for many years and enjoyed providing his riding horses to the campers. Prior to the consolidation of Penncrest School District, Dude served on the Cambridge Springs School Board. He was a former Grange and Kiwanis member and actively served with the Gideon’s International. He was also involved in starting the Cambridge ministerial Summer Opportunity Program and School Release time.
Family members surviving in addition to his wife – Betty, of 60 years, include a son – Roger Held and his wife, Marilyn of Albany, NY; two daughters – Judy Jardina and her husband, Tony of Cambridge Springs and Paula Colvin and her husband, Ray of Auburndale, FL; fourteen grandchildren – Jennifer Lewandowski and her husband, Jeff of Venango; Justin Held and his wife, Kristin of Cambridge Springs; Matthew Held of Virginia; Philip, Keith, Joshua, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Kevin Held all of Cambridge Springs; Anthony Jardina and his wife, Karen of Pompano Beach, FL; Aaron Jardina and his wife, Jennifer of Saegertown; and Adam Jardina and his wife, Sherri of Cambridge Springs; Brian Girdwood and his wife, Courtney of South Carolina; and Kara Howarth and her husband, Scott of New Jersey. Twenty eight great grandchildren also survive.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Cambridge Springs on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Rod Beardsley, pastor of the Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church, 339 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA 126403, the Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 56, Union City, PA 16438 or, Asera Care Hospice, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505.
Dear Betty and family,
I just heard of Dude’s “home coming” yesterday when talking to Vickie Held. I can’t tell you how often I have thought of all of you over the years and how I cherish the fond memories of times spent at your house, at Camp Judson and of all the fun things we used to do together! Dude was the best of men and his memory will live on in my heart until I meet him in Heaven. God bless all of you!
Dude – you beat the rapture!!
I am very sorry for your loss. Dude was such a wonderful man of God. I would like to express my sympathy to the entire family.
Dear Betty & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dude was such a wonderful man and played a big role in my father becoming a Christian. I will always be grateful for that. He will be missed.
God Bless.
Dear Betty,
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You and Dude were both very inspirational people. Dennis and I have fond memories of the time you and Dude invited us and our daughter Ashlely to your house to ride the horses. You were both very giving and kind people.
Thoughts and Prayers,
Dennis & Lisa Cox
I was one of the Wranglers at Camp Judson from 1980 – 1984. While there I became very close to both Dude and Betty. He was an amazing person and I have many fond memories of him. I know he will be missed.
My Prayers are with yiou all,
Judy Burgess
Portsmouth, VA
Dear Betty & Family,
You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. I intended to come today but have all ice in our lane & having freezing rain now. I hope you forgive me. Phillis, Darlene & James all send their condolences also. Phillis has osteroporosis so she is afraid to venture out.
You all will be in our thoughts & Prayers.
Love, Marilyn Gilmore Turner & family
Dude went to school with my mother, Pearl Waclawik. I got to know him when I attended First Baptist Church with my cousins, Ken and Penny Hale. Dude was a very nice man and a talented musician. I offer my condolences to his entire family.
Stephanie Anne Hale
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Held. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. . I have fond memories of knowing him from the church when I was a youngster/teenager. You have my very deepest sympathy
He was a great friend of many years