Raymond J. "Ray" Bednarz

Raymond (Ray) J. Bednarz, 74, passed away peacefully in his home on September 13, 2025. Born on May 13, 1951, he is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Helena (Kanclerz) Bednarz. He was raised in Rome NY, and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1970. On August 19, 1978, Ray was united in marriage with Laura A. Zalocha at St. Mary's Church in New York Mills.

He was an avid musician through the years. As a percussionist, Ray played with various local polka bands. This included but was not limited to Polka Jacks, Warsaw Express II, Melodic Sounds, and Salt City Brass.

Ray was initially employed at Oneida Limited Silversmiths Factory. He then worked with home health infusion transport at Lincare. Lastly, he was a courier driver with Centrex and Labcorp before he retired in 2018.

In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to polka music, coin collecting, and bowling. He also enjoyed staying active with walking, bicycling, and going to classic car shows. Family time was important to Ray and included family vacations, playing music with cousins, grilling, and seeing his grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his wife, Laura, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Brian and Kristin Bednarz of Lewis Center OH, and Chris Bednarz, of New Hartford; three precious grandchildren, Logan, and twins Ethan and Ella; sister and brother-in-law JoAnne Bednarz and Brian Gleissner of Woodbury CT. He is also survived by many loving cousins.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 9:30AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 9168 Main Street in Taberg, NY. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery Taberg. Relatives and friends may call at the Church Tuesday from 9:00AM to 9:30AM prior to the Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, 418 N. George St, Rome NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond's memory to either The ALS Association or to the Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, NY.