Contributions to the tribute of Joseph L. Bodnar Jr.

973-762-2200 (The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home) | 973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)

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In Memory of

Joseph L. Bodnar Jr.

1947 - 2024

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Saturday

February

Memorial Mass

2:00 pm

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Seton Hall University's Chapel Of The Immaculate Conception

400 South Orange Avenue

South Orange, New Jersey, United States

Get Directions

Dr. John Graeber posted a condolence

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Dear Friends and Family of Joe Bodnar, I had the pleasure of being a fraternity brother of Joe’s at Seton Hall. Both Sigma Delta Psi and later Sigma Tau Gamma, and I always admired him as a brother and his leadership style was unmatched among the brothers I knew. His smile, easy going personality and skill-sets an inspiration to all of us. It is not surprising that he excelled in his life and continued his growth. I do regret not having run into him since graduation. I k now that he will be missed by all who knew and loved him, may he rest in Eternal Peace. He’ll be a Pirate forever! Dr.John Graeber

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Mary Anne Munley posted a condolence

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Kathleen, Anne and Sarah my husband Pat Munley was roommates at Seton Hall with your Dad for all 4 years along with Sal Perillo and Michael Guarria. I didn’t meet them and your mother until their senior year. What an amazing foursome they were and they didn’t even know each other before they went to Seton Hall. As John Slevin said that yearbook your dad edited showed such talent. May your memories help you through these tough times. Go Pirates!

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Sal Perillo posted a condolence

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Kathleen, Anne, and Sarah, your Dad was my friend and best man. Best man is a good way to describe Joe. He was a great human being. He was a caring person. Like John, I have wonderful memories of our years at Seton Hall with your Dad and your Mom. New Year’s Eve at your Uncle’s place inventor, winter flounder fishing down the shore and more than a couple of card games into the night. Unfortunately we moved to South Jersey in 1980 and did not keep in touch. I am pleased that you have recognized Joe’s connection with Seton Hall inviting friends to contribute in his memory.

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Gracie Petroccia posted a condolence

Monday, February 5, 2024

Uncle Joe always made Christmas Eve so special. I was a picky eater as a child, but I will always remember the linguini and clam sauce. I would sometimes walk or ride my bike down to Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary's and I was always welcomed even if I showed up unannounced. Uncle Joe always had a Seton Hall or Yankee game on and they would treat me to a large gingersnap cookie from the freezer. Rest easy Uncle Joe. Gracie Petroccia

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John Slevin posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Kathleen, Anne, Sarah, I spent an hour this morning paging through the 1969 SHU yearbook, the Galleon, your dad’s creative gift to the class of ‘69! So many memories passed through my mind, some whimsical, some profound! For those who knew Joe well, the final few pages of the book offer a glimpse of his appreciation of Simon and Garfunkel. “Time it was, and what a time it was, it was …a time of innocence, a time of confidences. Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph…preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you”, the “gush” page, as Joe called it. Your dad was a good man, and I treasure the memories from our shared youth. I’m especially glad that he and I were able to recapture some of those moments over the past couple of years. His beaming smile and amused chuckles will remain with me forever. I’m confident that he and Mary are together once again and that gives me great consolation. John

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Lara Tomlin posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

My husband, Scott and I had the pleasure of knowing Joe and Mary as our next door neighbors. Joe always had a “hello” and a smile. We are so sorry to hear the news. ❤️

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Moni uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 4, 2024

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Uncle Joe, You welcomed me every summer, even with 3 girls of your own, as you and I discussed being an only child. Then you welcomed my daughter. I wish we could have one more summer at the lake. Enjoy heavenly fishing with Grandpa.

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Dana Willoughby posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Kathleen, Ann and Sasrah- I am so sorry for your loss. May you find strength during this sad time. Love, Dana and Scott Willoughby

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Catherine Petroccia uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 4, 2024

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I learned so many lessons from Uncle Joe. Always pour your beer into a glass, leave a little piece of worm dangling on the hook to tempt the fish, catfish have really sharp spines. I will not budge on my favorite college basketball team, but I always secretly root for Seton Hall when they are not playing Rutgers. Christmas Eve dinners were my favorite. Rest in Peace Uncle Joe and say hi to Aunt Mary for me.

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Jean Perkins posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Where to begin… At Seton Hall we all spent so many wonderful hours together with Mary and Joe . As young married couples our get together were constant . Your Mom and I raised our little ones together at your Maplewood home .. complete with Christmas cookie marathons, which I’m sure your Dad had his share . He was so funny and loved doing “who’s on First “ routine. With Paul Appocella. May he rest in peace.. now that he’s reached his heavenly home plate !!Jean Riley Perkins

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Dana Gatto uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 4, 2024

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One of the good ones gone too soon! We will all miss you Mr. Bodnar! Xo

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Robert Vaughan posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Joe had an incredible gift for recognizing hidden talent in people and providing them with opportunities. I personally witnessed him doing this for many individuals, myself included. I owe a great deal of my current success to Joe Bodnar. The world is a better place thanks to him. RIP

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Uncle Frank posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

To Kathleen, Ann, and Sarah, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He e-mailed me recently and we reminisced about all the fun we had! I couldn't understand when preparing Christmas Eve dinner, after Cat's birthday party, why I never got above Apprentice-C. Just because I cut the scungilli too thick! Love Uncle Frank

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Lizzie and Vinnie Petroccia posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Christmas Eves and holidays - Bloomfield, Maplewood, Lakeside. At the Oakland Avenue dining table, on the Lincoln Place couch, upon the Page Lake dock - memories, mischief, song, good food and drink. We are grateful for all the memories, love and support generously shared by Joe and Mary.

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Don Lucerto posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

We, both Joe and Mary were so very close in college and after we graduated. I remember his uncle had a race horse and one afternoon he called and said “ you want to go to the racetrack” which was about 21/2 hours away. Of course I went and Mary came with us. We lost naturally and on the way home we were on the the NY Thruway or whatever major road went up to NY State and it was so dark and coming at us were headlights. The three of us were in the front seat (No bucket seats) and Mary and I just froze but Joe was as calm and veered his car over to avoid an accident. I have so many stories of that wonderful man. He is with Mary now.

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Aunt Ellie posted a condolence

Sunday, February 4, 2024

I think it was summer 1970 and Mary was buying the album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, for Joe's birthday. There was no parking in Bloomfield center so Mary idled the car in front of the music store and asked me to run in and make the purchase. I asked Alexa to play it this morning so I could reminisce about Joe. Joe and Mary were all about music. Frank and Monica were his best friends. I thank him for my three fun and wildly creative nieces!

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The family of Joseph L. Bodnar Jr. uploaded a photo

Saturday, February 3, 2024

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