Walter Bodnar

Walter Bodnar, 99, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2021, in the comfort of his home in North Carolina where he was surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Smithmill, PA, Walter lived in the tri-state area and retired in NC. He was the son of Julia Bodnar and the late Very Rev. Joseph Bodnar a Ukrainian Orthodox Priest who was one of the first pioneers in establishing the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in America. He was also the loving brother of the late Stephania Nogga, Olga Minner, Mary and Sonya Bodnar, a long-time companion to the late President of AHRU, Boshena Olshaniwsky and her late husband the principal founder, as well as a surrogate grandfather to her grandchildren, Markus and Kathryn. Walter graduated from Syracuse University and NYU where he earned his bachelor's degree in social science and a master's degree in education and language arts. He was also a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School. Throughout his life, he worked as an English teacher and a salesman. Walter Bodnar enlisted in the US Navy on February 15, 1943, where he served 3 years in the Asiatic Pacific and the Philippines. He was awarded numerous World War II medals including the Victory Medal and was an Electronics Technician's Mate, First Class. After he received an Honorable Discharge on February 23, 1946, he became active in the Ukrainian American community in New Jersey. Walter was a charter member of Post 6 in 1946 that united with the Ukrainian American Veterans in 1948. He held many leadership positions including the UAV National Adjutant for 4 years and was the UAV National Monument Committee Secretary for more than 10 years. He was one of the last members of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Post 6. As an activist in the Ukrainian American community, one of his greatest accomplishments involved working with AHRU (Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine). Recognized for his writing skills, letter editing, and many lobbying trips to Washington, he was one of the driving forces behind Senator Bill Bradley of NJ who sponsored the Ukrainian Famine Commission in the Senate. This legislative miracle to research Stalin's genocide in Ukraine in 1932-33 where over 10 million Ukrainians died, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Reagan on October 12, 1984. As the committee continued to forge ahead against all odds, Walter Bodnar participate in the fight for other injustices toward the Ukrainians. There were numerous letters sent on AHRU's request by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to soviet leaders on behalf of Ukrainian political prisoners and the entire Helsinki group. Thus UNCHAIN (Ukrainian National Center: History and Information Network) was proposed and launched as well. Walter once again worked tirelessly hand in hand with the UNCHAIN committee for combatting defamation and disseminating correct data about Ukraine, its history and its people. In his later years, he participated in fundraising for Children of Chernobyl, the Lviv Clinic, and worked with post-Chernobyl Green World to change the many things that needed changing. Walter will forever be remembered as a great World War II hero and for his dedicated community service. Throughout his life, he also was a great supporter of fine arts including opera, classical music, and the visual arts. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on July 9, 2021, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 244 Main Street, South Bound Brook, NJ, followed by burial at St. Andrew's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Walter. Vichnaya Pamyat!