Albert Banasky

Albert J. Banasky PORTSMOUTH - Albert J. "Ski" Banasky, 88, went to his eternal rest July 4, 2009, surrounded by members of his loving family at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. A native of Meiers Corners, Staten Island, N.Y. He was the son of the Late Andrew and Anna Banasky "Ski" moved to Portsmouth in 1967. U.S. Navy Lt. A.J. Banasky, Lieutenant Albert J. Banasky was born in Staten Island, N.Y. March 17, 1921. Following his graduation from McKee High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 30, 1940. Lt. Banasky reported to the Naval Training Station, Newport, R.I. Following his recruit training he was assigned to the Commissioning Detail, USS Dixie (AD14). In 1942, while serving aboard the OSS Widgeon (ASR-1), he qualified as diver, second class. Upon completion of his tour in the Dixie, he attended Deep Sea Divers School qualifying as a diver, first class. Following graduation, he reported to the USS Mallard (ASR-1). Upon completion of this tour, he was assigned to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. His next assignment was the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS16). In 1949, he was assigned to the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, Indian Head, Md. Upon completion of Explosive Ordnance Disposal School he was assigned to COMSEVENTEEN. Following this tour, he reported to the newly formed Mine Disposal Unit One. In 1953 he reported to Staff Explosive Ordnance School as an instructor. He was designated a master diver April 23, 1954. In 1957 he reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Two. Lt. Banasky was then assigned to Naval Ordnance Laboratory Test Facility, Fort Lauderdale, serving in the USS YDT-9. In 1961 he was selected for Lieutenant Junior Grade and commissioned at the Officer Candidate School (LDO) at Newport, R.I. His next assignment was Naval Ammunition Depot, Oahu. During this tour he served a tour of additional duty with JTF-8 as C.T.E.8.9.3.6 at Johnston Island. He then was assigned to Naval Ammunition Depot, Earle, N.J. Upon completion of this tour, Lt. Banasky reported to Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Juliens Creek as Officer in Charge, Explosive Ordnance Detachment. Lt. Banasky had served in temporary billets with Air Force, Coast Guard and Naval Ships during his tour in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal field. Lt. Banasky wears the Navy Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), American Defense Medal (Fleet Clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and National Defense Service Medal (Star). He was married to the former Virginia A. Withers of Charleston, S.C., and will reside in Portsmouth. Loaned by the U.S. Navy as a diver on the GeographicSmithsonian-Link expedition of the drowned city of Port Royal Jamaica he was credited with the find of the expedition. Mr. Banasky was awarded a 50-plus year federal service pin in March 1992. He was a member of Portsmouth Scottish Rite, Osiris Pentalphia Lodge No. 23 F.A.A.M. Washington, D.C. Supreme Council No. 33 Washington, D.C. Mr. Banasky is survived by his sisters; Helen Campbell of Metuchon, N.J., and Ethel Foran of Staten Island, N.Y.; three nieces; a nephew; several great-nieces and great- nephews. A funeral to honor Mr. Banasky will be held in the chapel at Arlington National Cemetery Nov. 9, 2009 at 11 a.m. with full military honors. Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.