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BORN

1956

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

McCarthy Funeral Homes - Greenfield

36 Bank Row

Greenfield, Massachusetts

Bruce Bednarski Obituary

Bruce J. Bednarski

Greenfield, MA - Our beloved husband and father passed away suddenly on Dec. 5th 2025.

He was born in Greenfield, MA and lived in Sunderland until he went to school in Boston at Graham Junior College. There he studied film and television production, and after graduation, he and his then girlfriend, Cathy, took a van cross country for 3 months. It was the trip of a lifetime. Upon returning 1978, he started his own business, JC's Market, owning and operating the neighborhood store for 44 years. In 1979, he married his longtime girlfriend in Greenfield, where they would plant their roots with their two children, CJ of Greenfield and Chelsea of Billerica. His family also built, established, owned, and operated Cozy Corner Nursing home in Sunderland for over 60 years. He was a legend in the neighborhood, creating fun adventures, like an ice skating rink in the backyard, wiffle ball games, a dirt bike track, and The Fort.

Bruce loved Baseball - of any sort! Major league, minor league, T ball. He coached his children's teams for many years and helped many kids with the chance to play (paying for clothes, fees, and providing transportation) for many who did not have the opportunity. After Covid, things got rough and he sold the community fixture that was JC's. He loved the Boston Red Sox, NY Giants, was a Civil War buff (many trips to Gettysburg and Antietam, and others), and the Wizard of Oz.

Predeceased by Father I James, mother Christine, siblings Jeffrey, Beaver, Gary, and Jackie, he leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Catherine, his son CJ, daughter Chelsea, son in law Bruce Feingold, his sister Tina Finkowski, brother in law Mike Finkowski and Many other family and friends - cousins and many former customers.

He is greatly missed. Services will be Sunday, Jan. 4th 1pm, at All Souls Church in Greenfield. A private reception will be held after the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Dec. 31, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Bednarski

Not sure what to say?





Laurie

January 9, 2026

So sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. I´ll always remember him as a gentle soul and a kind man. My condolences to Kathy and his children

Art gauthier

January 4, 2026

Cathy, so sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing, too young , truly great person, my best to you and the kids

Art

Art gauthier

January 4, 2026

Hi Cathy,
Sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing, too young, great guy, you always hate to loose good people, my best to you and the kids
Art

Dee Aquino

January 3, 2026

The first image that comes to mind when I think of Uncle Bruce, is of him listening to conversations being had at a table. He would raise those bushy eyebrows as he questioned everything being said; preparing for a rebuttal. If I was going to leave the table, I would sit back down to hear what he was about to say.

But my favorite memories of him were always the annual Shagbark Olympics softball game. We would play 9 innings under the scorching Georgia sun because he was in charge and he "didn´t lug all this equipment all the way from Massachusetts just for people to quit!" Those were my favorite times.

Katie Smith

January 2, 2026

Ah, my first love. I remember Bruce pitching baseball at........(was it Junior League? Was there a baseball field near the base of Mt Sugarloaf? He was probably 13.) Then Cilla stole him away, leaving me to nurse a crush for years. So many memories of the Bednarski place, the pool, and the playhouse parties, working at the Cozy Corner, being driven around by Tom Shearer, etc etc. I also remember that we did a reflex test in science class in 9th grade and Bruce had the fastest reflexes. Rest in Peace, Bruce, and my heartfelt condolences to Cathy, CJ, and Chelsea.

Carole Clark

January 2, 2026

I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I remember both Bruce and Cathy from JC's and Newton School. My condolences to your family. He was a great guy.

William T Drozdal II

January 1, 2026

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Elizabeth Dolby

January 1, 2026

Oh Cathy!! My heart breaks for you and your family! Bruce was always such a wonderful soul to be around. May his memory comfort you in the coming days and years. We love you and send our sincere sympathy your way! Love Liz Dolby and Tony Wonseski

Dolores,Michael and Jacqueline Peletier

December 31, 2025

To The Bendnarski Family.
So sorry for your loss,may the memories keep you smiling.
Coach,leader caring for the youth gave them life to believe.
Always a friendly hello.
RIP Bruce

Margaret Burrier

December 31, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your Loved one today and always. Bruce was such a Wonderful Person.

Christina Lively

December 31, 2025

When I was a little girl my mom worked at Cozy Corner along with Helen Smith. When she worked 3-11 she took me to work with her a few times and I played with the kids and swam in their above ground pool. Nice memories. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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Funeral services provided by:

McCarthy Funeral Homes - Greenfield

36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301

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