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George Bodajlo Jr. 1943-2025

NILES — George Bodajlo Jr., 81, passed away Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

George was born Dec. 10, 1943, in Hazleton, Pa., a son of George Sr. and Anna Pcolinsky Bodajlo.

George was a 1961 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. While attending Youngstown State University, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served stateside as a longshoreman during the Vietnam War. George earned the rank of private and was honorably discharged for his service. Upon his return home, George had a successful 42-year career with the Tribune Chronicle, where he worked as an account executive.

Outside of work, George was dedicated to his Catholic faith as a member of SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church and as a faithful and devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. He first joined the Knights in 1964, and since then, served the Ohio State Council Fourth Degree District and Hennepin Province in many capacities, including as an administrative / program assistant; public relations-Youngstown Diocesan coordinator; Columbian Squires director; and as district deputy director. George’s involvement in the K of C included serving as membership and public relations chairman of the council; grand knight; navigator of the Fourth Degree for Bishop McFadden Assembly; Tri-County Chapter president; district deputy; district secretary for the Fourth Degree; provincial secretary of the Hennepin Province; and finally, in 2008, he was appointed master of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree for Ohio District One, Hennepin Province, covering both the Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses.

George also volunteered in community organizations as Trumbull County 4-H advisory; Ohio State University, Trumbull County Extension Committee; parent council of Notre Dame College of Ohio in Cleveland; Boy Scout Committee for Troop 15; and the Elks Club, Warren.

Most of all, George cherished his family and especially adored his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

George will always be remembered by his wife of 54-and-a-half years, Donna Martin Bodajlo of Niles; children, Monica (Ken) DeMars of Michigan, George J. Bodajlo of East Lake and Michael S. Bodajlo of Niles; grandchildren, Kenneth Jr. and Jason DeMars; great-grandchildren, Hope, Silas and Chistopher; in-laws, Robert (Mary) Martin and Gladys Martin; and many loved cousins.

Besides his parents, George was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Bodajlo; and in-laws, Richard, Joseph, George and John Martin.

The family would like to thank many caregivers who assisted George and the family in the last year, including Dr. Bianca, Kelly, Kim, Christina, Joe, Barbara, Jenna, Betsy, Elaine, Jamie, Jason, Amanda, Chaplin Matt, Chaplin Rick, Gina, Darla, Ninae and Rashad.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to George 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren.

Additional calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave. NE, Warren, OH 44483.

A funeral service, with the Rev. Miron Kerul’-Kmec officiating, will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

Burial will follow in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Lordstown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s name to SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave. NE, Warren, OH 44483.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiand

sonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to George’s family.

(special notice)