Joseph A. Bednarczyk
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Joseph A. Bednarczyk, 89, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Abraham House.
Joseph was born on February 11, 1933, in Utica, the son of Valentine and Mary (Pedzimaz) Bednarczyk. He attended Holy Trinity and John F. Hughes School, where he attended sight-saving class through the Lion's Club and was a 1952 graduate of Utica Free Academy. Joe B, as he was so delightfully called, attended the College of Hard Knocks where he graduated with honors. On April 18, 1959, Joseph married D. Maureen Hyde in Utica's St. Joseph's Church. They enjoyed a blessed union of over 45 years prior to her untimely passing on November 1, 2004. Joseph held the distinction of working 42 years at Scheidelman Inc., retiring in 1994.
Joseph was a communicant at Holy Trinity Church and had a strong faith in God. This was evident in the many religious organizations he was a member of including the many leadership positions he held within these organizations. This included the Nocturnal Adoration Society, Fatima Rosary Group, Young Catholic Adults, Holy Trinity Parish Council, Perpetual Adoration Society, and Holy Trinity Holy Name Society. For many years, he helped produce Father Nelson's Rosary Program heard weekly on WBVM Radio. Joseph was proud of his Polish heritage and was a member of the Kopernik Memorial Association and Polish Community Center. Even though he will be missed by his West Utica neighbors, his tireless work ethic, his endless helping of neighbors, and finally his love of humanity will continue on in the people he knew and met because these traits are what make Utica a great community to live in.
Joseph was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Joseph is survived by two daughters, Ann (Mark) Francis of Deerfield, Mary (Martin) Hernon of New Hartford, three sons, John (Sharon) Bednarczyk of Fairport, Paul (Emily) Bednarczyk of East Greenbush, James (Maura) Bednarczyk of Whitesboro. eleven granddaughters, Sarah (Patrick) Jones, Melissa Francis, Julie (Kristopher) Palumbo, Jennifer Francis, Amanda Hernon, Elizabeth Hernon, Rachael Hernon, Megan Bednarczyk, Kristen Bednarczyk, Lauren Bednarczyk, and Erin Bednarczyk. four grandsons, Joseph (Sarafina) Hernon, Michael (Anastasia) Hernon, Todd Bednarczyk, Sean Bednarczyk. He is also survived by six beloved great-grandchildren, Joseph Hernon II, Isabella Hernon, Hunter Hernon, Declan Hernon, Arielle Jones and Patrick Jones; sister-in-law, Janice Hyde, and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his three older brothers and their brides, Anthony Bednarczyk, Lawrence (Charlotte) Bednarczyk and Chet (Marilyn) Bednarczyk, one brother-in-law, John "Jack" Hyde, and niece, Katie Hyde.
Joe would like to extend a special thanks to all the neighbors and friends who helped him in his final years to make life easier and help drive him to his many appointments and errands. A special thanks go out to Steve Gossin and Bill Thayer whose friendship and compassion were second to none.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at Kowalczyk Funeral Home, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home and at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Cemetery, Whitesboro.
In lieu of flowers, please consider remembrances in Joseph's name to Holy Trinity Church or Abraham House in gratitude for the care, compassion and spiritual guidance they provided to Joseph. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.