Thomas Joseph Bodnar

Thomas Joseph Bodnar

Thomas Bodnar Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2001.

BODNAR
THOMAS JOSEPH
Of West Mifflin, on Dec., 26, 2001, age 23; beloved son of Daniel & Linda (Josvai); brother of Danelle Bodnar; grandson of Joseph & Pauline Josvai & the late Thomas & Virginia Bodnar; fiance of Autumn Snyder; nephew of Beverly & Raymond Lerner, Barbara & Richard McClellan, Carol & Steve Dvorchak & Robert & Rita Wengrzyn; cousin of Colleen Weber, Timothy Lerner, Ryan McClellan & Jennifer Dazkowski. Friends received SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 3501 Main St., Munhall (Member Selected Independent Funeral Homes), Sat & Sun 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass Monday 10:00 am, St Agnes Church, W. Mifflin. Thomas was a Steamfitter with Fazio Mechanical. Family suggests memorial donations to St. Joseph House of Hospitality, 1365 Bedford Ave., Pgh, PA 15219 (412) 471-0666

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December 26, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2003

Someone posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2002

Mandy posted to the memorial.

December 26, 2010

Dear Tommy Boy. December 26,2010. Love you, miss you. Hasn't gotten any easier, still waiting. Nine years and it feels like it was just today.

Love, Mom, Dad and Danelle

January 27, 2003

Forever Tommy



Love...Dad, Mom & Danelle



January 26, 2003

Mandy

October 3, 2002

Dear Tommy,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers not only today, but everyday.

Love,

Mandy

Beverly Lerner

October 3, 2002

FOREVER WITH ME---FOREVER LOVED---THIS DAY WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL TO ME ---- BECAUSE OF YOU.



ALWAYS,



AUNT BEV

October 3, 2002

Happy Birthday Thomas J!!!

elisabeth timko

August 27, 2002

You would think that all the time that has passed would of made this easier, but of course it hasn't. There is not one hour that will pass where he in not in my thoughts. Tom was the light that made everyone shine, and i never thought that i could miss somebody so much. Dan, Linda, and Danelle I love you and care about you very much, and you are always in my prayers.

Jessica Gerchak

August 27, 2002

Tom

I can't believe its been 8 months. I just wanted to tell you I miss you and love you. You are always in my thoughts. God bless the people that continue to honor you in every way.

August 26, 2002

Tom.....thank you for taking a space in our lives that only you could fill.....

we love you and miss you.....Mom, Dad, Danelle August 26, 2002

mary ann

August 11, 2002

why did you have to leave...it would have been so great...i miss you...

Emily Kahora

April 15, 2002

Tommy had to have been one of my most fun relatives. Even though I am five years younger than Tommy, I have this great memory of him helping us launch water balloons across the street of my grandparents' house in Brookline. He always made sure he was one of the kids--just having a good time, regardless of his age. Tommy was a wonderful person, his sense of humor and spirit was such a distinguishing quality that can be appreciated by anyone who came in contact with him. Through the tragedy of Tommy's death, it has truly been a wake-up call to me. To live each day to its fullest, just as Tommy did, since we never know when our time will come. Tommy, just because you are no longer with us in a physical sense, know that you will always be loved and thought of and missed dearly. Danny, Lynda and Danelle- I love you all and I express my deepest condolences and please know that you are in my thoughts frequently.



Emily

Carol Dvorchak

April 5, 2002

Dear Tom:

It was so hard to see you leave, but you are impossible to forget. You were a beautiful baby, a fun loving sometimes looking for trouble child, but you became a kind young man with a beautiful heart. God Bless, and keep us all in your prayers.



Dan and Lyne - when it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friends will be there.



Carol and Steve

Alexis Snyder

March 8, 2002

TO THE BROTHER THAT I WISHED I HAD AND TO ETHAN'S FAVORITE AND ONLY "UNCLE TOM". I AM GLAD THAT I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SPEND THE TIME THAT I DID WITH YOU. YOU, AUTUMN, ETHAN, & I ALL LIVED TOGETHER FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND IT WAS THE BEST TIME I HAVE EVER HAD. I MISS WAKING UP TO YOU BLASTING FRANK SINATRA ON AUTUMN'S RADIO AT 8:00 AM. YOU WERE SO MISCHEVIOUS... I THOUGHT YOU WERE THE COOLEST. ETHAN AND I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

PEOPLE COME AND GO IN YOUR LIVES BUT THE LOVE AND MEMORIES KEEP YOU SMILING...

COLLEEN WEBER (LERNER)

March 6, 2002

I MISS MY COUSIN TOM SO MUCH. WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY HE WOULD STOP AT NOTHING TO MAKE US LAUGH. HE GREW UP TO BE SUCH A WONDERFUL AND HANDSOME YOUNG MAN, BUT HE ALWAYS KEPT THE "LITTLE BOY SENSE OF HUMOR." I FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN MY COUSIN TOMMY, HE WAS SUCH A SPECIAL AND LOVING PERSON. I WILL SPEAK OF HIM OFTEN TO MY TWO BOYS. I WANT THEM TO KNOW HOW GREAT TOM WAS AND I HOPE THEY GROW UP TO HAVE HIS SPECIAL "FREE SPIRIT."



UNCLE DAN, AUNT LYNE, DANELLE AND AUTUMN I LOVE ALL OF YOU AND I AM TRULY SORRY.



COLLEEN (LERNER) WEBER

Tommy at the Goodguys Nationals, July 2001

Danelle Bodnar

March 4, 2002

My parents and I wanted to add a picture of Tommy. When I look at this picture it makes me smile. He looks so happy. This picture was taken at the Goodguys Nationals July, 2001. The last national car show Tommy attended with his dad, CJ, Ken and dad's friends.

I want everyone to remember my brother this way, being happy and always with a smile on his face. He is such a special person and we are all lucky to have had him in our lives.

I miss you and I love you Tommy!

Danelle

Chuck & Joann Snyder

February 28, 2002

To Tom, We miss you dearly and will always cherish the times we spent in your company. You grew to be part of our family from the time we met you and you will always be with us the rest of our lives.Please look over all of those who cared soo much for you and help us to remember the fond memories your brought into soo many lives. We miss you and love you.

Love

Uncle Chuck & JoJO

Paul & June Snyder

February 25, 2002

In loving memory of Tom. You left us way too soon.You were in our lives for a year but touched our lives in such a way that you'll will stay in our hearts forever. We love and miss you. (Gram and Pap)

Mandy Thomas

February 25, 2002

Always in my thoughts; will never be forgotten.

Mary Ann Snyder

February 22, 2002

Here we are not two months later...and the hardest times are yet to come...I think of you everyday in my shop...especially where I can still see you sitting atop the cooler doing the wiring for my grill...and you pretended to be shocked...and I gasped and yelled at you for scaring me...I really miss your sick humor!! I also miss how you affected Autumn in such a positive way...I thank you for that time...

Love and tears for you...

Mary Ann

One of Tom's many friend

February 22, 2002

"Once our friend--now our angel"

Mike Green

February 21, 2002

Tom was one of the most entertaining people I have ever hung out with. I will charish all of the memories in my heart forever. My prayers are will all of his family and all of his great friends.

Ryan McClellan

January 31, 2002

Danelle, Uncle Dan, Aunt Lynne, and Tom's Friends,



When I think of Tom, the first thing that comes to mind is that he was real, and that he could be comfortable in any situation. Tom had this amazing ability to be "cool" and, at same time, be the nicest guy that you could ever know.



A memory that comes to mind when I think of Him:

One summer Uncle Dan took Tom and I fishing at the James River fishing pier in Virginia.. Uncle Dan bought us icecream cones and I dropped mine on the ground - Tom gave me his without even thinking about it.



To all of you:

Joey and I are deeply sorry.



I miss you Tom.



Love,

Ryan

Linda Bodnar

January 26, 2002

To my family, Autumn, friends and Tommy's friends, thank you for the beautiful tributes and for your prayers. The pain is unbearable all of the time but all I have to do is think of Tom, his perfect sense of humor and beautiful blue eyes and I am fine for the moment.



My message to my son, I love you and miss you terribly.



"Closer is He than breathing, nearer than hands and feet."

(Tennyson)



Mom

Amy Snyder

January 25, 2002

The first time I met Tom he was accepted.I'm not sure why but I felt so comfortable with him, I could just be myself and that was nice. I didn't spend that much time with Autumn and Tom, But the time I did was entertaining and memorable. Tom was the kind of guy that if you called him, well he was right there, no questions asked. Little things like hooking up my entertainment stand and moving me out of my apartment. Christmas day was most entertaining, I haven't laughed that much in years.We were playing "the gift exchange game" and Tom and I were the only ones getting the "sucky gifts."He got all of the cleaning supplies, and I got toilet bowl cleaner and the super glue he wanted. Tom was the most wonderful and unique person I've ever met.I told Autumn that she was so lucky for having someone who loved her so much and that everyone needed a "Tom "in their life. Linda, Dan, and Danelle you are the most loveable people I have EVER met.There is nothing myself or anyone else can say to make the pain and hurt go away and you will always have the question "why" but just know that you will see him again someday. I love you guys so much and he wouldn't have left you if he thought it wouldn't make you stronger.@>~~~>~~ Tommy, I await the day I see you and my father once again. You will NEVER be forgotten. I love you. Thanx for braiding my hair :)

Love your sister-in-law, Amy @>~~>~~

Ted Zuend

January 25, 2002

I did not know Thomas, but based on the comments in this guest book it sounds like he was a fine young man. I was a neighbor of Danny's and a friend of both Danny and Linda growing up in Hazelwood. My heart goes out to them and all of Thomas's friends and relatives who have suffered such a great loss. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Tom Selden

January 23, 2002

As a friend of Tom's sister, Danelle, I offer my deepest condolences to all who knew Tom, especially his family, friends, and those very close to him. Have faith that you'll be reunited with him in a much better world.

Lisa Manolakis Lindsey

January 23, 2002

I am Autumn's Aunt Lisa from Colorado. I flew to Pittsburgh in August and met Tom and his wonderful family for the first time at a rainy picnic held in MaryAnn's

living room. That evening as I talked with my husband, I could not

stop describing the intimacy, respect and joy exhibited between this family. Autumn was lucky and

they were lucky to have Autumn. It couldn't be more perfect.

Hilary Connor Perella

January 22, 2002

I met Tom when he started dating my mom's best friend, Autumn. He was always so funny and cute to me. He played hockey with me, taught me how to rollerblade better, and was even here for my first day of school. I think that God needed him right now even though it makes us sad. I will miss him forever. Love, Hils

Jordan Connor Perella

January 22, 2002

I miss you so much and i wish you were still here. i always had fun while you were pushing me in a cart at the grocery store. You were so nice, funny and cute. i wish you were here but i know that God needs you right now. i miss you and love you so much. love, jordan

Jessica Connor Perella

January 22, 2002

Tom, i really miss you so much. i remember when you came down and you let us watch movies on your laptop and when you broke the chandelier. i know everyone is sad but i know that you are in a good place. i will always remember all of the laughs, good times and jokes we did to autumn and mommy. i love you so much and i miss you. love, jessica

Gino and Deanna Perella

January 22, 2002

We haven't known Tom for very long, although we feel as though we've known him forever. We met him when he and Autumn started dating. My husband and I realized that he was the type of rare person that doesn't come along every day and felt grateful that our dear friend had been lucky enough to have him in her life. His happy nature and unbelievable sense of humor were definitely contagious, and we always knew that he would try to get our girls in some kind of trouble (especially at Wal-Mart and with water balloons). All we know is that he has made a significant difference in our lives because of who he was and what he will always be to us. Our prayers go out to you Autumn, Danny, Lin and Danelle, and all who love and miss him as we do. All I know is that when I returned home from Pittsburgh on New Year's Eve after saying goodbye to a very dear friend, I just couldn't wait to see my daughters. They couldn't help but be sad, yet couldn't stop telling stories about him that made us all laugh. As I watched the ball drop with my kids, my 9-year old daughter Hilary told me not to be sad because "God must have really needed Tom right now, he must have been short on angels". Tom, we miss you so much and just want you to know how much you have touched our lives and our hearts (Oh! and our chandelier). We love you hon and may God always bless you!

Eve VanDyke

January 16, 2002

I am so sorry to everyone who knew Tom for this tragedy. Knowing Tom was such a great thing. He was the goofiest, funniest, sweetest, and caring person I have ever known. He would come up to Cal to see Liz and I all of the time. Those memories and all of the fun times we've had will live in my heart forever. I miss you, Tom.

elisabeth timko

January 16, 2002

Tom was the greatest friend I could ever ask for. He never left me out of anything and always went out of his way to hang out with me. It is still so hard for me to understand that he is gone. I am so honored and proud to have had him as a friend and I will miss him greatly.

Autumn Snyder

January 14, 2002

It is intoxicating to read all the entries, and see how many people's lives that Tom touched.

I can only say that my life will never be the same and that I am a better person for have knowing him and loving him.

"Our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain... but I'd have had to miss the Dance."

I will always carry you with me.

I love you Tom.

Love,

Autumn

Jennifer Daszkowski

January 13, 2002

Dear Aunt Lyne, Uncle Dan, and Danelle,

Not a day goes by that I don't think of ya'll...I hope you find comfort from all of these memories and thoughts...It is obvious that Tom touched the lives of so many, and I know that he will continue to live in the hearts of all of them. I love you, Jen

Rich McClellan

January 12, 2002

I'm Tom's uncle, the one he called "Uncle Rich. It always meant so much to me to hear him say "Uncle Rich" and "Uncle Rich, have you heard the one about...". I'll really miss him. I love you, Tom.



Uncle Rich

Mandy Thomas

January 12, 2002

I have known Tommy Bodnar practically my whole life because I was fortunate to have grown up with Danelle (and also Dan and Linda) from the age of 3 back in West Mifflin. Tommy was the typical little brother, popping his head up when Danelle and I were either swimming in the pool, playing house or dancing, but would make us laugh. As years went by and I moved out of West Mifflin, I did not get to see Tommy as much because he became such an independent young man, which was an awesome thing to see. I know how proud he made his family. Each and every day I think about him and even have a picture of him that I look at everyday at work. I am so glad that we (me, Danelle, Autumn and Tommy) were able to hang out a little less than 2 months ago. I will never forget that night. :-) Please know you-- Dan, Linda and Danelle-- are in my thoughts each and every day. I love you all forever and I am always here for you!!!!

Frank & Audrey Steiner

January 12, 2002

Tom will surely be missed by our family. When we moved to this neighborhood years ago, Tom was the first to welcome us! Tom always lived life to the fullest. We'll never forget the fun parties he had and the look on his face when he drove up the street in his Dad's cars. We are so lucky to have known Tom, for what seems to be a short time. We will miss you Tom and our love will be with your family always!

Jennifer Williams

January 11, 2002

Tom was a great kid! He put a smile on everyone's face when he was around. I know he was a big part of my brother and sister's lives (CJ and Liz).

MaryAnn Snyder

January 11, 2002

"A Message to Tom-wherever you are-I miss you terribly. I am still having trouble believing you're not with us. One minute you were making us laugh during the Christmas gift game where you won all the super glue (because you broke the gift that Autumn's Uncle Chuck got you!)and the next minute you were breaking our hearts when we had to bury you. I am honored to have known you. To have witnessed the love you had for my daughter will always be poignantly remembered as what could have been. Sleep tight in God's arms, sweet Tom...'til we meet again. Your favorite Mother-in-law that would have been, Mary Ann :-)"

Beverly Lerner

January 11, 2002

My Dear Dan, Lynne, and Danelle: It is so comforting to read these messages. Tom sincerely brought happiness to all who knew him--he truly is our "Special Angel". My love to all of you. You are in my prayers daily for strength, courage and comfort.



Love



Bev

Jessica Gerchak

January 11, 2002

I always tell everyone that our street, Tommy's street, Woodland Drive, is like a family. Growing up there, us kids were always in and out of each others houses. For us (Gina, Johnny, Jason, Tommy, Danelle, and myself), we were like brothers and sisters. I feel so lucky to have grown up with all of you. I can't tell you how empty our little pack felt the day we lost Tommy. The only words that came to our mind were, "It will never be the same". But we know that he is one more person looking down and watching over our family, the Woodland Drive Family. He will always be with us. To the Bodnars, I love you guys. I will always be here for you.

CINDY RIDER

January 11, 2002

THE OLD SAYING "TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM" WAS A PERFECT FIT FOR TOMMY. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY TO HAVE KNOWN TOM AND TO BE CLOSE TO

THE FAMILY. MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY

GOES OUT TO YOU ALL!

Barbara McClellan

January 11, 2002

Dear Lin, Dan & Danelle: It is wonderful to read these messages. Tom's sense of humor and his inner sweetness seem to be the common thread for everyone who knew him. I love you all and pray for you all every day.



Barb

Danelle Bodnar

January 10, 2002

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for my family and thought of us at this time. Tommy was the best brother I could have ever asked for and I am thankful that I had 23 years with him, I just wish I had more. I love him with every piece of my heart. He had the best smile and made the goofiest faces when you needed a lift.



I don't know what else I could say at this time but thank you .

Christy Carroll

January 1, 2002

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that you loved your brother very much. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Keri Kolodziej

December 31, 2001

I have known Tom for a long time, we used to work together and from there we became friends. He was always so happy and so full of life and always with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed and my sympathies go out to his family

BRIAN CUNNINGHAM

December 30, 2001

TOM WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS AND IT IS UNDESCRIBABLE HOW THIS FEELS. I HOPE THAT NO ONE HAS TO EXPERIENCE THIS. MY PRAYERS GO TO HIS ENTIRE FAMILY AND ALL OF OUR FRIENDS. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU TONY BONAIR.

Brigitte and Bud Riello

December 30, 2001

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We never had the opportunity to meet Thomas, but I am sure he was a wonderful young man. Linda and Danny, take strength from each other and we will keep you in our prayers.

Jessica Larrimer

December 29, 2001

My deepest sympathy is with you, Danelle and to your family. I was saddened to hear about the loss of your brother. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanette White

December 28, 2001

Tommy was my cousin. Every time I saw him, which wasn't very often, he always had a smile on his face. When I saw him at my other cousin, Colleen's wedding, he made fun of me and this one boy I was hanging around with saying we were boyfriend and girlfriend. He started laughing and his smile was so beautiful, it made me smile. R.I.P. Tommy. We all miss you very much!!

Holly Lavery (McNatt)

December 28, 2001

I would just like to offer my condolences to Danelle and her family. I know how painful it is to lose a loved one in an accident. I believe that when God takes somebody this young, it is because he has a greater plan for them, one we may or may not come to understand over time. Danelle, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Ashley White

December 28, 2001

Tommy was my cousin. He was so nice and he always had a smile on his face. I feel so bad for his parents, sister, and fiance. We will all miss him very much.

Chrystal Faith

December 28, 2001

I know Tommy through friends. The little time I saw him, he always made me laugh. I send my deepest and most sincere sympathy to his family and friends. My prayers are with you all.

Rita Kania (VARGO)

December 28, 2001

With deepest sympathy, Rita and Ray Kania and Shu and Rita Vargo, old neighbors

Nicole Esper

December 28, 2001

Even though I didn't know Tom all that well, what I did know of him was special. He could make you laugh and was there was there for you when you needed him. All in all he was a great friend and one that will be sadly missed.

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December 26, 2010

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January 27, 2003

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October 3, 2002

Mandy posted to the memorial.