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Michael Bednar Obituary
Born August 21, 1954 in Olean, NY, Bednar was a longtime resident of Pittsboro, NC. A loving husband, father, son, and brother, he was one of nine children and the eldest son of Margaret Richardson and Michael Bednar, who survives. In 1987, he married Vickie Hearne of Pittsboro, with whom he proudly raised two wonderful children, Joni and Guy.
Bednar was a hardworking man with a strong faith and a gentle soul. A self-employed carpenter until his cancer diagnosis in 2002, he was noted for his beautiful custom trim work and his magnificent decks. In addition, he self-built two homes for his family.
In 2003, Bednar underwent an experimental and successful bone marrow transplant at UNC Hospital-Chapel Hill, and became an advocate for life-saving transplants of all kinds. Prior to his recent decline in health, he enjoyed time with his family, visits to the beach, great music, golfing, and spoiling his dog, Pepper. In 2005, he became co-owner of the Pitt Stop Cafe' in Pittsboro.
Bednar is survived by his wife of 19 years, Vickie; a daughter, Joni Bowling, and husband Josh of Siler City; a son, Guy Grady "GG" of Pittsboro; three brothers, Mark (Debbie) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Mitch (Eileen) of Elkridge, MD, and Martial (Barb) of Webster, NY; four sisters, Michele Bednar of Olean, NY, Maggie (Alan) Copeland of Bradford, PA, Mollie (John) Jayne of Olean, and Maura (Greg) Parda of Newburyport, MA; and several niecesand nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother in 2002, and his brother Merrick, a Roman Catholic priest, in 1997.
Family and friends will be received at the Griffin Funeral Home in Pittsboro from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at St. Julia's Roman Catholic Church off Rt. 64 in Siler City, with family friend Fr. James O'Connor presiding.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Pittsboro Relay for Life "Cancer Crusaders" team, UNC Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, or UNC-Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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