Charles Edward Bednarik, Sr., MSgt, USAF, Retired, 86, of Davidsonville, MD, peacefully passed away on the morning of Saturday, May 20, 2017 as a result of congestive heart failure.
Born on July 24, 1930 in Capitol Heights, MD to the late Charles Karel and Hilda Amelia Radtke Bednarik, Chuck graduated from Maryland Park High School of District Heights, MD in 1948. He went on to join the U.S. Air Force where he served his country from 1948-1971 as an Airman with a distinguished career that spanned 23 years, 4 months, 8 days, and retired as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. During this time, he served his country with honor in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. His squadrons included: the 11th Bomb Wing, Carswell AFB; 15th MATS, Dover AFB; 50th ATS, Hickam AFB; 431st ARS, Biggs AFB; 28th MAS, Hill AFB; 19th MAS, Kelly AFB; and 30th MAS, McGuire AFB. MSgt. Bednarik was the Flight Engineer on the B-52 Bomber Stratofortress, the C-124 Globemaster, the C-130 Hercules, and the C-131 Samaritan military aircrafts. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Chuck began his second career as a civilian for the United States Navy at the David Taylor Naval Research and Development Center in Annapolis, MD. Twenty-years employed, his career at DTNRDC spanned from 1974 thru 1994. There, he worked as the Foreman of the Fabrication Section. As a first-generation American, he was extremely patriotic and proud. After traveling the world over, he developed an even stronger appreciation for all that is this country. Chuck helped to inspire a new generation to love and respect this great country. He married the love of his life, Betty June Thomas, on October 8, 1951 in Austin, TX. Their long life together lasted 57 years before the untimely passing of June in 2008. Never one to be idle, Chuck enjoy spending time fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay; summers on the family ranch in Texas; collecting coins; watching NASCAR races; playing pinochle, cribbage, and softball; and always spending time with his family and friends. Chuck lived life to its fullest and shared his enthusiasm with everyone he came in contact with; his smile was infectious and he enjoyed making people laugh.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Albert Bednarik of District Heights, MD, Richard Carl Bednarik of Ft. Washington, MD and Albert Paul Bednarik of Gambrills, MD. He is survived by three sons, Charles Edward Bednarik, Jr. (Susan) of Mt. Holly, NJ, Robert Carl Bednarik (Donna) of Port Republic, MD and Fred Steven Bednarik of Annapolis, MD; a daughter, Cheryl June Woelfel (George) of Mason, TX; a brother, Russell J. Bednarik of St. Indigoes, MD; two sisters, Irene A. Mullins of Prince Frederick, MD and Ann Johnson Bednarik of Hedgesville, WV; two sisters-in-law, Melissa E. Bednarik of Gambrills, MD and Margaret F. Bednarik of Chesapeake Beach, MD; eight grandchildren, Matthew J. Bednarik (Miyuki) of Tokyo, Japan, Ryan C. Bednarik of Mt Holly, NJ, Karen E. Bednarik of Charleston, SC, Michael A. Bednarik (Amy) of Cleveland, NC, Christopher T. Bednarik of Buckhead, GA, Nicole M. Bednarik of Annapolis, MD, Heather N. Boerum of Annapolis, MD and Bradley J. Boerum (Hope) of Edgewater, MD and six great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chuck's life on Wednesday, May 24 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 25 at 11 AM. Internment, with military honors, will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the name of Charles E Bednarik, MSgt. USAF, Retired to one of the following organizations: American Legion Post 175, 832 Manhattan Beach Road, Severna Park, MD 21146 or Hospice of the Chesapeake, John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.
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