Lester Bodnar

Memorial trees planted for:

Lester Bodnar

<p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Lester Bodnar, aged 94, of Nanuet, NY passed away on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.</p><p><br></p><p>Born January 7, 1931, in Miskolc, Hungary, Lester, or Laci as he was affectionately known, was lovingly called Opa by not only his grandchildren and great-grandchildren but by many friends. He was the second eldest son of Ivan and Maria Bodnar in a family of five sons. Faced with significant hardships, Lester’s family necessitated that he discontinues his education after his second year to contribute to supporting their family.</p><p><br></p><p>Lester carried a strong work ethic throughout his life. While raising his young family in America, he held three jobs simultaneously. He acquired the skills to become a house painter and eventually ventured out on his own. He hired and trained several employees, building Bodnar Painting into a successful business.</p><p><br></p><p>Lester was a skilled outdoorsman, avid hunter, and fisherman. He processed his game and filleted his fish, providing many healthy meals for his family. He was also a dedicated gardener, renowned for his fresh vegetables. He generously shared his harvest with friends, neighbors, and even strangers he encountered at the park. In his later years, when physical limitations began to affect him, he directed his ever-willing wife, Maria, to plant and care for the garden until they sold their family home after 51 years.</p><p><br></p><p>Lester and Maria celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on January 28,2025. They spent most of their free time together, cheering on their Yankees and each having a favorite player. In later years, he required assistance, which Maria provided with tender loving care. Many believe Maria's devotion to Lester gave him the gift of time.</p><p><br></p><p>Lester is survived by his wife, Maria; two daughters, Irene Ganssle and Lisa LaCava, along with husband, Frank; six grandchildren, Christopher Ganssle and his wife, Lauren, Danielle Ganssle, Nicole LaCava and her fiancé, Brian, Julia Staudt and her husband, Rob, Fawnia Bodnar, and Dakota Bodnar; as well as two great grandsons, Jack Ganssle and Tryston Vasquez. </p><p><br></p><p>Lester was predeceased by his parents, several brothers, his daughter Brigitta Bodnar, and his granddaughter Sara Rose Ganssle.</p><p><br></p><p>Lester was cherished as a husband, father, brother, Opa, and great-Opa, and he will be profoundly missed. Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven through which the love of our lost ones pours down to remind us they are at peace.</p><p><br></p><p>A memorial service will take place on July 6, 2025, with visiting hours from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Source Funeral Home, 728 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.</p><p><br></p></p>
January 7, 1931 - June 23, 202501/07/193106/23/2025
Share Obituary:
Lester Bodnar
Lester Bodnar
9 Trees have been planted in memory of Lester Bodnar.
Plant a tree

Memorial Trees

A

Anonymous

July 08, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
L

Laura Vivino

July 06, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Laura Vivino. Plant a tree
My deepest condolences to dear Irene & Family - may your Dad Lester shine among the heavenly stars . With love, your friend from Nanuet, Laurie Renino
B

Bill, Kathy, Derek, Morgan& Mike

July 05, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Bill, Kathy, Derek, Morgan& Mike. Plant a tree
"Lester Bodnar" will remain in our hearts forever.May he rest in peace.
S

Sandy and Ashley

July 01, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Sandy and Ashley. Plant a tree
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
M

Melissa Anne Schroeter

June 30, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Melissa Anne Schroeter. Plant a tree
Sorry I am away and can't be with you. Know you are all in my thoughts. A blessing that you had such a long time and so many memories. Much love, MAS
P

Petra Ritzinger

June 29, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Petra Ritzinger. Plant a tree
A lovely last greeting from the Eisvogel Family
A

Anonymous

June 29, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
In Loving Memory of my Uncle Laci!
S

Susan and Sheryl

June 27, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Susan and Sheryl. Plant a tree
May this tree in nature symbolize the ongoing love of your father for his family. Our condolences.
Y

Your always loving daughter Irene

June 26, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Lester Bodnar has been arranged by Your always loving daughter Irene. Plant a tree
Dear Dad, Im planting this tree in your honor knowing it will flourish like everything youve planted. I love you very much and miss you terribly . RIP