Raymond (Ray) J. Bednarz,
74, passed away peacefully in his
home on September 13, 2025. Born
on May 13, 1951, he is predeceased
by his parents Vincent and Helena
(Kanclerz) Bednarz. He was raised
in Rome NY, and graduated from
Rome Free Academy in 1970. On
August 19, 1978, Ray was united in
marriage with Laura A. Zalocha at
St. Mary's Church in New York
Mills.
He was an avid musician through
the years. As a percussionist, Ray
played with various local polka
bands. This included but was not
limited to Polka Jacks, Warsaw
Express II, Melodic Sounds, and
Salt City Brass.
Ray was initially employed at
Oneida Limited Silversmiths
Factory. He then worked with home
health infusion transport at
Lincare. Lastly, he was a courier
driver with Centrex and Labcorp
before he retired in 2018.
In his spare time, he enjoyed
listening to polka music, coin
collecting, and bowling. He also
enjoyed staying active with
walking, bicycling, and going to
classic car shows. Family time was
important to Ray and included
family vacations, playing music
with cousins, grilling, and seeing
his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife,
Laura, two sons and one
daughter-in-law, Brian and Kristin
Bednarz of Lewis Center OH, and
Chris Bednarz, of New Hartford;
three precious grandchildren,
Logan, and twins Ethan and Ella;
sister and brother-in-law JoAnne
Bednarz and Brian Gleissner of
Woodbury CT. He is also survived
by many loving cousins.
Funeral services will be
celebrated on Tuesday September
23, 2025 at 9:30AM at St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, 9168
Main Street in Taberg, NY. for a
Mass of Christian Burial.
Interment will follow at St.
Patrick's Cemetery Taberg.
Relatives and friends may call at
the Church Tuesday from 9:00AM to
9:30AM prior to the Mass.
Arrangements have been entrusted
to the Nunn and Harper Funeral
Home, 418 N. George St, Rome NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made in Raymond's memory to
either The ALS Association or to
the Hospice and Palliative Care of
New Hartford, NY.
