Obituary of Edward J. Bognaski

Edward J. Bognaski, 88, passed away Friday July 5, 2019.  He was a lifetime resident of Syracuse, NY.  He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Vocational High School.  After his 2 years of active military service, he married his sweetheart Jane, and he had a 35 year career at General Electric Company as a Design Draftsman.  His artistic talent also came through in his love of sketching "Peanuts" cartoons.  He loved being active, including being an avid bowler and golfer, and challenging his nephews in ping pong.  Together with Jane, he was a member of the St. Louis Club folk dancers and also frequently went square dancing.  Together, they polka danced their way through many Polish festivals and dance weekends, including being on the cover of Empire magazine, dancing in their authentic Polish costumes.  He was a lector, choir member and active parishioner of Transfiguration Church.  Together with his wife, they enjoyed wearing their many costumes for the festivities at the church ranging from Mardi Gras to Harvestfest.  Together, they traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean, with Aruba being their favorite paradise destination.

During his 2 years of active service in the Army, he went through basic training for infantry at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA before being in the 3rd Infantry Regiment Honor Guard in Washington, DC.  He participated in President Dwight Eisenhower's inaugural parade.  He was also in the 36th Engineer Combat Group in Korea.  He was decorated with the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star; the United Nations Service Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal.  When he completed his military service, he was a Corporal in the US Army and was Honorably Discharged.

Ed was predeceased by his brother Eugene.  Ed is survived by his beloved wife Jane of 65 years; his sister-in-law Frances Pilch; several nieces and nephews including:  Joe (Veronica) Bognaski of Duluth, GA; Gerard Bognaski of Greenbelt, MD; Mark (Sharon) Bognaski of Oneida, NY; Regina (Marion) Morris of St. Louis, MO; David (Nancy) Pilch of Syracuse; Rosalie (Joseph) McMullen of Plainfield, NJ; Donald Pilch of Syracuse; Duane Pilch of Bethesda, MD; Daniel (Rosemary) Pilch of Chicago, IL; John (Lori) Dukat of Twin Harbors, MN; Cathy (Mark) Wilson of Clay, NY; numerous grand nieces and nephews; and a special cousin Chris Janik and family.

Calling Hours:  Tuesday, July 9^th, 4 to 7pm at Hollis Funeral Home, 1105 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse.  Funeral Services:  Wednesday, July 10^th, 9:30am at Transfiguration Church. Burial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Onondaga Hill, Syracuse. 

Contributions:  Adult and Teen Challenge, 124 Furman Street, Syracuse, NY  13205.