NAHANT — William E. Ludke, age 64, of Nahant, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday. He was the husband of Mary Jo (McGuane) Ludke, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage, and the late Dona Jane Ludke, with whom he shared 14 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Scotia, N.Y., he was the son of the late Charles and Lucy (Elgert) Ludke. He also lived in Lynn and Salem prior to moving to Nahant in 1989. Bill was a graduate of Scotia-Glenville Senior High School, Class of 1970. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree summa cum laude in Aerospace Engineering from SUNY Buffalo, and his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.
He worked as a principal engineer for General Electric Aircraft Engine Group in Lynn for 38 years until his retirement in 2013.
Bill was an accomplished astronomer, and was a member of the International Dark Sky Association. He built many telescopes, sundials, and solar models on his own. He was an avid birdwatcher, and was a member of the National Audubon Society for many years. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, studying local history, and long walks with Mary Jo and their dog, Molly. He was also a beach keeper for Safer Waters in Massachusetts (SWIM). His first passion, however, was his family, and spending time with them was his greatest joy.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Audra Mancini of South Easton, Kyle Radke and his wife Kate of Westbrook, Maine, and Caitlin Ludke of Nahant; his brother, Robert Ludke of Scotia, N.Y.; his sister, Janet Bukowski and her husband Jon of North Tonawanda, N.Y.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Service information: His funeral will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 67 Ocean St. (Route 1A), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Nahant. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SWIM, P.O. Box 57, Nahant, MA 01908 or Nahantswim.org. Directions and guestbook at Solimine.com.