Joseph Hrudka

Joseph “Joe” Hrudka, “Mr. Gasket,” passed away on May 24, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born November 29,1938 in Cleveland Ohio, Joe was a life-long car enthusiast. He was an avid racer, who developed specialized, heat-resistant gaskets to solve performance problems on his own race cars. The gaskets were sold out of the trunk of his car. Teamed with Tom, they won the Indianapolis national drag racing championships in 1961 and 1962.

Joe went on to build Mr. Gasket, a successful automotive specialty equipment business. He acquired many well-known automotive part companies through the years.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Antoinette.

Also survived by one son and six daughters; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He is survived by his only sibling, his brother Tom (Rosann).

Special thanks to his long-time caregiver, Elmie, and the staff at Vista Living in Paradise Valley.

It is coincidental that Joe passed away on the day of the Indy 500 Race, a special day in an industry dear to his heart.

A grave site burial service is set for Sunday, May 31st, at 10:00 AM at Paradise Memorial Gardens, with a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association.