Obituary of Paul G. Bodner
Paul Gilbert Bodner
Feb. 4, 1940 – May 17, 2024
Paul Bodner of Verona, NY and most recently of Blossvale, NY died following a short battle with lung cancer. Paul Gilbert Bodner was born on February 4, 1940, to Peter Bodner Sr. and Irene (Brock) Bodner. He was the second of nine children. He graduated from Port Byron High School in 1958, which according to his buddy Tommy Hitchcock was the best class ever. He joined the Army and served three years including tours to Thailand.
While serving the Army in Hawaii, at a dinner party in October 1961, he was captured by the beauty of Ozie Elaine Blackwell, and they were married on January 6, 1962. They went on to celebrate 62 years of marriage.
Paul subsequently worked for 33 years at Rome Air Developmental Center (RADC) at Griffiss Air Force base in Rome, NY as a contract specialist. His family never truly knew what he did as he always jokingly said, “if I told you what I did, I would have to take you out back and shoot you!” in his candid humor.
Paul was a hard worker and devoted dad to three daughters, Tammy (Alan) Chandler of Erieville NY, Pamela (David McDonald) Bodner of Oneida NY, and Robin (Robert) Copeland of Verona Beach NY.
Paul was affectionately known as “Grumpy” by his 14 grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing with his 8 great grandchildren who will miss growing up with his exceptional love and humor.
Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ozie Elaine (Blackwell) Bodner, his three daughters and their spouses and his siblings Barbara Robinson, Peter (Kathi) Bodner Jr., Donald Bodner, Susan (Donald) Witchey, Sally (Peter) Mentillo, Laurie (Brad) Wheeler, and Steven (Janet) Bodner. He is predeceased by his parents Peter Bodner Sr, and his mother Irene (Brock) Bodner, brother Ronald Bodner and grandson Nathaniel David Chandler.
Paul was a servant. He served for many years at his church, Grace Baptist Church in Rome, NY and wore many hats. He served as a deacon, choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School worker, and with the building, pastoral search, finance, and cleaning committees. He also served as a messenger for the Baptist Convention of NY and Central NY Baptist Association. He loved helping people and could often be found visiting the sick and those in nursing homes, helping fix homes, bringing food, picking up church members who were unable to drive, and would do just about anything to help.
Paul also served the greater community through disaster relief. He and his wife Ozie served with the American Red Cross disaster relief and the Southern Baptist disaster relief, primarily preparing and delivering meals for those in need including following 911, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters in Florida, New Jersey, and New York.
Paul was from a family of bowlers and enjoyed bowling in different leagues, and most recently bowled with his wife in the Senior Bowling League at the CAC in Sherrill, NY. He was also an avid NY Giants and Nascar racing fan.
Paul was funny, witty, and loved to tell jokes, and send his daughters corny cartoons each week. He kept his family laughing by hanging up a sign by the bluebird feeder he made that said “For bluebirds only” to keep the other birds away; digging trenches around the house convinced there was a mole; and finding all kinds of gadgets to keep the squirrels from eating the birdseed.
He also was a master craftsman building his own kitchen and bathroom cabinets, additions, and often helped his kids and grandkids with home repairs. His many wooden crafts such as jewelry boxes, rocking horses, and cedar chests will be treasured for years to come by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A funeral service for Paul will be held at the Grace Baptist Church in Rome, NY on Wednesday May 29 at 2 pm. A private burial will take place the following day. Services have been entrusted to Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home strong-burnsandsprock.com, Rome, New York.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to
the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/centralnewyork/donate) or New Life Christian School (https://www.nlcsny.org/giving) in memory of Paul Bodner.