John P. "Jack" Udovich, formerly of Brookhaven and Chadds Ford, PA, died Sunday, July 15th at home.  He was born in Chester to John T. and Emma (née Cumicich) Udovich.  He graduated from St. Michael's Parish School, St. James Catholic High School, PMC Preparatory School, Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener) where he earned his BS in Economics and minored in Education. He then later earned his MA in Secondary School Counseling at Villanova University.  Mr. Udovich fulfilled his military service at Fort Jackson, South Carolina where he played on the post football and track teams and worked as the NCO coach for volleyball and boxing.

Mr. U., as his students called him, began his professional education career at Sharon Hill, Delaware County as a Junior High Social Studies teacher and football and track coach from 1957 - 60.  He continued his teaching and coaching career at Chester High School from 1960 through 1970, entering the guidance counseling field in 1967.  From 1970 until his retirement in 1993, Mr. Udovich worked as a Guidance Counselor at Ridley High School.

Mr. Udovich, always an avid athlete, participated in basketball, football and track and field throughout his high school and college years.  In 1949, he broke the Catholic League record in the shot put. He played end, both offensive and defensive, for the first undefeated football team at PMC in 1954.

A devout Catholic, Mr. Udovich participated in Eucharistic Adoration and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  At Our Lady of Charity Parish in Brookhaven, he coached CYO football, worked the parish carnivals and participated in the the parish variety shows.  While living in Chadds Ford he enjoyed being a member of and singing in the St. James Alumni Choir.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Walter J. Udovich and by his youngest child, Elizabeth E. "Beth" Udovich in 2001.  Mr. Udovich is survived by his beloved wife, Helen ((née Desmond) Udovich of 62 years and their children Kate (Chris) Kroszner of Perkasie, John T. Udovich (Alice) of Philadelphia, Natalie (Mike) Tackitt of Liberty, NC, Meg (Gus) Sandilands of Linwood, NJ, Clem Udovich (DeeDee) of Annandale, NJ, Michael Udovich (Linda) of Brookhaven, Patrick Udovich (Megan) of Media, Regina (Tom) Turnbach of Willow Grove, his brother Norman J. Udovich of Ridley Park, his sister Inez M. Winter of San Diego, CA,  and his sister-in-law Jean Feeney of West Chester. Additionally, he is survived by 28 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on the family on Saturday, July 21st from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Charity Church, 231 Upland Road, Brookhaven, Pa, 19015 followed by a Mass of Christian burial in celebration of Jack's life.  Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Cemetery, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beth Udovich Scholarship Fund at St. Thomas the Apostle Rectory, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19432 or Priests for Life at PO Box 236695, Cocoa, FL 32923

Service Location Our Lady Of Charity Church Get Directions

Begins: Jul 21, 2018 11:30am - 12:15pm

231 Upland Road Brookhaven, PA 19015 Cemetery Location St. Thomas The Apostle Cemetery Get Directions

Jul 21, 2018 1:00pm - 1:15pm

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Condolences