John James Bednarik

John James Bednarik, 87, of Bristolville was called home by our heavenly Father on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015 at 3:58 a.m. in his home after a period of declining health.

John was born on August 16, 1928 in Warren, the son of the late Steve B. and Katherine (Solc) Bednarik Sr. He grew up as a farmer on Main Street in Warren and attended Mineral Ridge School.

He proudly served his country during the Korean War having enlisted in the United States Army on July 29, 1948.  During his enlistment he served abroad in Germany for two years; training on M26 tanks as a cadreman instructor.  He also reactivated the 4th Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Georgia.  In October 1951, he was sent into battle in the Korean Conflict, where he served until he was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant in June 1952.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service and three battle stars; Korean Service Victory Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

John was employed as a radiator repairman for J&M Amoco from 1952 to 1959.  He continued to work part-time on radiators at Safety Tire even after he was hired at Copperweld Steel in 1959, where he was employed as a millwright in the 21 inch Mill.  He retired on disability July 1985.

In the 1940’s and early 1950’s, John played softball for the City League and baseball for the American Legion.  He enjoyed reading his Bible every day, planting his flower and vegetable gardens, cooking and baking.  He loved all music but most of all polka’s.  He also enjoyed watching sports on television, especially NASCAR and the Cleveland Indians.

John was a member of St. William Parish in Champion since 1973.  He helped to build concession stands during the summer festivals and was a fish cutter for the Lenten fish dinners for over 25 years.  He was also a member of the VFW Post 2662 since 2008, serving as Junior Vice Commander.

John will be sadly missed by the family he loved so very much.  His five children Catherine (Leo) Baugher of Champion, Vivian (Rodger) Angel of Leavittsburg, John A. Bednarik of Monroe, NC, Bonnie DeJacimo of Clover, SC, and Joe (Kathy) Bednarik of Maiden, NC; his 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter.  He is also survived by his three sisters Mary Ann Odom of Austintown, Helen Siska of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Ann Harrison of Louisville, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his infant son Blaine, granddaughter Bethany Angel Willforth, great great granddaughter Marina Baugher; three brothers Bobby, Steve Jr. and Joseph Bednarik; a sister Margaret Pawcio Spirko and a son-in-law James DeJacimo, Jr.

Calling hours will take place 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home, where the recitation of the rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Michael D. Balash officiating, will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2015 in St. William Parish, where the body will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in the Narthex of the Church.

Burial will follow with full military honors in All Souls Cemetery in Cortland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to VFW Post 2662 c/o David Barson, Quartermaster, 8882 Sherwood Dr. NE, Warren, OH 44484.

Caring and Professional Arrangements for the Bednarik family are under the direction of the Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home, 330-392-5691.

Family and Friends may visit www.sinchakandsons.com to view this tribute and share condolences to the Bednarik family.