Name: Visitation for Joseph A. Bodnar
Start: 2023-01-03T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-04T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Duster Funeral Home, Inc.

Joseph A. Bodnar, 98, of Tarentum, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at Allegheny Health Network Hospital, Wexford, following a three-month illness. He was born Jan. 22, 1924, in East Deer Township, to the late Michael and Mary (Pollock) Bodnar. He lived most of his life in Tarentum. Joseph was a meat cutter for Sparkle Market, Loblaw's and Giant Eagle for over 40 years. He was a veteran of the Army serving in World War II in the 995 Field Artillery Unit, PFC First Class in the Artillery Transport. He served in the African, Italian, French and German campaigns, and assisted the Army with the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp. He received an award from the PA Senate for his service during WWII. Joseph was a member of the former St. Clement Church, Tarentum, and was very active in his church. He was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, member of council, altar server, and played St. Nicholas at the holidays. He dedicated his life to the church, receiving the Manifesting the Kingdom award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Survivors include his children, Joseph A. (Claudia) Bodnar, of Chesapeake, Va., Susan M. (Rev. Joseph) Martin, of Franklin, Phyllis M. (James) Tonseth, of Salisbury, N.C., Mark A. (Katie) Bodnar, of East Deer, and Robert P. Bodnar, of Tarentum; seven grandchildren, Jodi Cantrell, Julie and Christopher Martin, Maria (Steven) Groover, and Philip and Anna Tonseth and Sarah Bodnar; great-grandchildren, Merryn Cantrell, Garrett Voelker and Peyton Groover. Also surviving is his sister, Mary (Raymond) Dauer, of Tarentum; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded by his wife, Agnes E. (Golgan) Bodnar, in 2005. Visitation is from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at DUSTER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 347 E. 10th Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526. A Christian funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Guardian Angels Parish, Our Lady of Victory Campus, Harmar Township. Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township, with military honors. Family suggests contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society of one's choice. Visit: dusterfh.com.

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Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Dec. 30, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Bodnar

14 Entries

Danny Severa Jr

April 25, 2025

I am sorry for your loss (mark and Bob) Joe was a vey interesting and good man... and a good neighbor! I always took a minute to talk with him , always good conversation!
You have my condolences

Dan Dobies

January 4, 2023

My fondest memory of Mr. Bodnar was how funny and quick witted he could be. My Dad worked with Pan Joe (Pan is Polish for Mr.) at the New Ken Giant Eagle in the meat department back in the day. This was back when the department was closed off from the public. I remember going to the store with Mom when I was 5 years old. I'm currently 45. Dad would come out and steer us to the best deals on meat, and many times Pan Joe would be out there hobnobbing with customers he knew. I remember vividly, one day he pulled a full sized Snickers bar out of his shirt pocket and gave it to me. I was allergic to peanuts back then. Nothing like anaphylaxis or anything, but allergic. I told Pan Joe about this as a 5 year old, and he answered right back with "Well, just eat around them". I'd see him here and there later in my life and he always remembered me. You were one of a kind, Pan Joe. Thanks for the Snickers. Rest in peace, sir.

Terri Cordier Vidra

January 3, 2023

My deepest and sincere condolences to the family.

Sandy and Tim Duffy

January 1, 2023

Bob and family, we are so sorry for your loss.

Timothy S. Ballas

January 1, 2023

My deepest and sincere condolences to the family. Such great memories of Mr.Bodnar growing up across the street on w.9th Ave. RIP Mr.Bodnar. Tim and Sandy Ballas

Jim Backo

December 31, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family. Privileged to know him. He was a light at our church. RIP Mr.Bodnar

Dian Solomon

December 31, 2022

Deepest sympathy to the Bodner family. Joe & my father worked together at Loblaws in Springdale.

Kathie McPherson Geary

December 30, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Paula Chieruzzi

December 30, 2022

Goodbye dear Joe, longtime family friend and neighbor of almost 70 years. I remember many years ago learning of your acts of friendship and charity in our neighborhood and know that you continued well into your 90s. You were like an everyday Santa among us, brightening our lives with your big heart. May your family be consoled by memories of your extraordinary energy and love shown to them and others.

Barbara Cisek & Family

December 30, 2022

Joe was always such a joy to talk to & was always cooking something at home or helping at his church. He was our Santa for many years at the Creighton Slovak Club & the children loved him. RIP Joe.

Rick and Mary Beth Brake

December 30, 2022

Rest In Peace Mr B. Deepest sympathies to Joe, Susan, Phyllis,
Mark and Bob and your entire family

John M Kania

December 30, 2022

My deepest condolences to all. Prayers for comfort and peace!

Russell Morgan

December 30, 2022

Those in line to enter Heaven, please step aside....a hero named Joseph A. Bodnar just arrived.

Bernice Spanik

December 30, 2022

Eternal Rest, my friend, Joe. He kept St. Clement´s going with his dedication. He was also our helper with our Ladies Guild events and dinners. RIP