MECHANIC FALLS — Alvin H. Dudley, 67, of Mechanic Falls, passed away May 10, at his home following a long illness.

He was born in Augusta, March 17, 1945, a son of the late John A. Dudley Sr. and Emma M. (Gipson) Dudley. He attended schools in Hallowell, Windsor and South China.

Alvin had numerous jobs but his passion was cooking.

He moved to Mechanic Falls in 1975, and opened a boarding home. In 1977, his mom, Emma, moved to Mechanic Falls from Windsor and helped Alvin with the home and together they served many enjoyable meals.

He worked at Christie’s Restaurant in Mechanic Falls and Just Friends Restaurant in Poland. In 1985, he and his friend bought Just Friends Restaurant and ran it for several years, later Alvin bought out his friend. He ran his restaurant with the help of his loving family and some wonderful employees who were more like family until his heart became an issue in 2004.

Alvin was a very giving and caring man. He often fed his salesman and delivery men free of charge. It was one working man helping another. He also fed people who wanted to work for a meal. His response was “I’ll help you, but you help someone else when you are able to.” He would never turn a hungry person away. Customers who were sick and couldn’t leave their homes, were often delivered a nice hot bowl of Al’s homemade soup or chowder or whatever their favorite meal was.

Alvin loved his family and enjoyed spending time at the family cottage. He enjoyed going to Foxwoods, traveling (Canada), singing and collecting antiques.

He was a member of the Harbor Masters. He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Dudley of Auburn; his sisters, Gloria Skidgel of Augusta, Kay Pacheco of Acushnet, Mass., and Emma “Tiny” Blaisdell and her husband, Dean, of Windsor; two grandchildren, Bridgette Goulet of Auburn and Thomas Cuneen of Auburn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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