Ronald R. Bednarski

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of retired Army SSG Ronald R. Bednarski, 85, who left us suddenly on February 26, 2024.

Born February 9, 1939, the son of the late Raymond and Irene Bednarski, Ron was born and raised in Erie, PA before joining the US Army in 1956 at aged 18. It was when he was stationed in Augusta, Georgia, that he met his wife Patty and married in 1968. On various assignment posts while Ron served in the Army, they traveled together to Germany, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., where their daughter, Tammy, was born. It wasn't until a tragic stock car racing accident that left Ron completely disabled and forced him into early retirement from the service, that they settled back to Patty's hometown of Schenectady, NY where he devoted his time to raising their daughter, and supporting his wife as she managed and grew her accounting and tax practice.

A career soldier, Ron did 2 tours in Vietnam. During his 22 years in the US Army, he received many awards, and honors including the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device that he received in 1970 for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam and multiple Air Medals (First Oak Leaf Cluster) with "V" device for the more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory that he participated in. He is a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 88 and the American Legion NY Post 1.

Ron was an avid hunter and fishermen his entire life. He could be found every summer on Sacandaga Lake where he and his family had a camp for over 40 years. Each fall he would return home to Pennsylvania to hunt with his father, brother, and brothers-in-law at their hunting camp in Tidioute.

Along with his parents, Ron is predeceased by his sister, Linda Hein, Minerva, OH. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Kopps) Bednarski, Colonie, NY; his daughter Tammy (Joshua) Iacobucci, Glenville, NY; his brother Kenny (Joyce) Bednarski, Erie, PA and his sister Patty Pettys, Erie, PA. He also leaves a legacy of three grandchildren: Arianna, Autumn, and Luca Iacobucci. Ron is also survived by a large and loving family, both in New York and Pennsylvania.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 11:00 AM at the Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home, 1 Mohawk Ave, Scotia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations in Ron's name to the DAV or American Legion.