George Bodajlo Jr.

Niles – George Bodajlo Jr, 81, of Niles passed away on Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

George was born on December 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 long shoreman 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 Sts. 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, the Fourth Degree District and Hennepin Province in many capacities, including: administrative/program assistant, public relations-Youngstown diocesan coordinator, Columbian Squires director and 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 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 Elks Club in 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 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 on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 4 to 6pm at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

Additional calling hours will be on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 10 to 11am at Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

A Funeral Service, with Rev. Miron Kerul’-Kmec officiating, will follow at 11am on Friday at the church.

Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Lordstown.

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

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