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George Bodnar Obituary
1946 - 2016 George Gerald Bodnar, age 70, of Roberta Road, Pittsfield, died Monday, May 23rd, 2016 at Albany Medical Center. He was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on January 7, 1946, the son of the late George S. and Elizabeth Lesso Bodnar. He was educated in McKeesport area public schools and was a 1963 graduate of McKeesport High School; he received his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in 1967. Upon graduation from college, Mr. Bodnar moved to Pittsfield, where he worked for General Electric Aerospace as a Field Service Engineer. Throughout the company's progressions of Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics, his roles included, Systems Engineer, Technical Manager, Engineering Manager, Program Manager, and Chief Engineer. Over the course of his career, Mr. Bodnar's contributions to various projects took him all over the country; Boston, MA, Aberdeen, MD, Washington, D.C, and Kings Bay, GA to name a few. Mr. Bodnar loyally gave forty-four years of service to the Pittsfield, MA company and retired in 2011. George had many passions and hobbies. He was an outdoor enthusiast and loved to hike, camp, ski, and snowshoe. He is credited by his loved ones as introducing them to the joys of outdoor winter camping. He enjoyed travel (both personal and work related) as well as photography. He had a passion for ham radio, model trains, and was a licensed pilot. Above all, his true love was being an ever present and compassionate husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. George married the former Helen "Cindy" Rupinski on July 4, 1980 in Pittsfield. Besides his wife Cindy, George is survived by his daughter: Karen (and John) Sinopoli of Pittsfield; his son: Mark (and Lauren) Bodnar of Boston, MA; two grandchildren: Dylan and Leah Sinopoli; his sister: Irene (and Richard) Mathews of Boston, PA; two sisters-in-law: Margaret Dodge and Maureen Neff, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister: Carol Bodnar. He was a communicant of St. Mark Church. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be SUNDAY, MAY 29th, 2016 at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held MONDAY at 9:30 AM at St. Mark Church, with Rev. John A. Salatino, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Appalachian Trail Conservancy in care of the funeral home.
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Memories and Condolences
for George Bodnar
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Michael Bozzello
May 21, 2019
It's been 3 years buddy, and I think about you all the time. Especially when I'm out walking. Sending lots of love to Cindy, Karen, Mark, and the rest of the family.
June 21, 2016
Dear Cindy,
I am so very sorry to learn of George's passing.
My heart goes out to you, your family & all his close friends. May you find comfort & peace in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Heather Lane
Karen & Mike Zinchuk
June 1, 2016
Cindy, Karen, and Mark,
We am so saddened to just hear about George's passing. We both knew George through work at GE and its successors, but had our best times with George and Cindy in the Mogul Masters Ski Club that George helped run for many years. The antics and adventures that we shared are forever cherished memories. We will always remember George's infectious smile and spirit to enjoy every moment. May God hold your family tight during these difficult times. Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
Jean Kubica
June 1, 2016
Cindy and family
We are so sorry for you loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
The Kubica's
June 1, 2016
A kind caring,gentle man who will be sadly missed. My heart and thoughts are with the family now. Gail DiOrio
May 31, 2016
Dear Cindy, family, and old friends,
I graduated from college (Southern Illinois U) in 1974. The next the thing I knew, I was at General Electric in Pittsfield Ma, sitting next to a guy named George Bodnar. It was the beginning of a wonderful lifelong friendship. He introduced me to the Bodnar Manhattan. We were on the slopes of Jiminy when he met dear Cindy. A better friend could not be found. I know he's in good hands and having a great time, as always.
Michael Bozzello
Collinsville, IL
Mark & Nancy Roviaro
May 30, 2016
Cindy so very sorry
James Gold
May 30, 2016
Gerry Bodnar & I were classmates and debating partners in the McKeesport Senior High School Class of 1963. I remember the antics, the travels, the preparation, and the wonderful times we shared. Interestingly many of the avocational interests he developed throughout his life were very similar to my own.
We could have, should have hiked together. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
Jim Gold
Sigita and Yevgeniy Yefremov
May 29, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man, he will be missed. Our condolences.
Elaine & Art Goodrich
May 28, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Paul Durwin
May 28, 2016
To his friends, George was above all a good and decent man and valued coworker. His friendliness and humor always brightened the work life of those around him. A great life taken way too soon. He can rest in the certain knowledge that he made the world a better and safer place for his being in it.
Stacy Lusignan Leslie
May 28, 2016
Cindy & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, please accept my condolences.
Stacy
Billy & Debbie Tobin
May 27, 2016
Cindy & Family so sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers please accept our condolences
May 27, 2016
Cindy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Matthew Pictrowski & Dawn Pierson
May 27, 2016
Dear Cindy, so very sorry to hear about George my thoughts and prayers are with you bev
Robert Gretz
May 27, 2016
We are so deeply sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a wonderful person and great friend. We have many wonderful memories of times together and will miss him terribly. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Sending our deepest sympathy and love. Bob and Pam Gretz
Betty & Paul Perry
May 27, 2016
Words cannot describe how profoundly saddened we are by your loss. George was a remarkable man who had a positive impact on everyone that new him. One could not ask for a more caring and dependable neighbor. Above all, he was the truest of friends. I am sure that he and Len have already placed a dollar bet on the next Penn State/MSU football game. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that you have our undying love and support.
Mary Lou Burdick
May 27, 2016
Cindy you and your family are in my prayers.
Phoebe and Don Sugarman
May 27, 2016
Dear Cindy and family,
So sorry to learn of George's passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of George's friends.
Barbara Wilson
May 27, 2016
Dear Cindy
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Please accept my sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Wilson
May 27, 2016
So many beautiful memories George has left his family and all his friends. He's brighten up a room with his smile when he's walked in. He always had a story to share but never the same. He started his family tradition by having all family members over on Christmas Eve and sometime during the evening, the children would gather around George to hear him read "It Was the Night Before Christmas". He loved to invite his friends over for a good BBQ, a few stories, and lots of laughter and, oh yea, his favorite music playing in the background. He was a very proud father and grandfather and a loving husband to Cindy. Always looking for that next trip for them to travel. What a wonderful legacy he has left his family.
It's hard to believe that is has been almost 40 years when you walked into Cindy's life, the parties in Lansboro, the ski trips.
So, so many memories! Now it's time for the rest of us to go on with the family traditions and the gathering of friends but raise our Manhattans to the sky in memory of you.
God Bless!
Pat Frintzilas-Frey
May 27, 2016
We are so saddened to hear of George's death. We always enjoyed his company and humor. We are blessed to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a great guy with a zest for life and a wonderful family man. He adored his family. Sincerest sympathy, Bill & Paula Rhorer
Phil and Paula ORourke
May 27, 2016
We are very sorry to hear about Geeorge's passing. He was a very kind and gentle man.
Patty Rivers
May 27, 2016
Will always remember George for his keen sense of humor and kindness to all.
With deepest sympathy.
Jim and Linda Thornton
May 27, 2016
Cindy,Karen,John,Mark,Lauren and all of the family: So very sorry for your loss. George was a wonderful man and a terrific dad. We know how much you will miss him. We will miss him also. Sending you our love and prayers for healing. We are here for you if there is anything you need.
Lynn Hubbard
May 27, 2016
Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss.
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