Robert A. Bednarik

Robert Anthony Bednarik, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison Township, OH, and was sent to his eternal resting place, on July 7, 2026.

Robert’s lifelong legacy was his family, and he is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Sharon, daughter Christine Olexa, son-in-law Joseph Olexa, grandchildren Meghan (Matthew) Colclough and Tyler (Ana) Olexa, as well as nieces, other family members and friends, all who will dearly miss him. He is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Rose Bednarik, sisters Dolores (Steve) Rady and Rosemary (James) Glogovsky, and his faithful canine companion Snoopy, with whom he is now reunited in his eternal home.

Robert, or Bob, as he was affectionately known to his friends and family was born in Johnstown, PA. He moved to Cleveland with his parents and sisters, where he spent his youth, graduating from Collinwood High School in June 1962. In 1964, he met his wife and lifelong adventure partner Sharon, whom he married in 1965. In 1967, they welcomed their only daughter Christine to their family. He and his wife and daughter spent more than two decades at their first home in Euclid, OH, until in 1995, he and Sharon moved to their current home in Madison, OH, where they were surrounded by the woods and wildlife they both enjoyed.

After his graduation from Collinwood High School, Robert went on to achieve his Associate degree in Professional Management in November 1981 from John Carroll University, along with numerous certificates from Lakeland Community College. After initial stints at Eaton Corporation and Gould Inc., he spent most of his career in Cleveland at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, as a defense systems production planner and manufacturing supervisor. In 1992, he started his second career, joining Jakubs-Danaher Funeral Home, where he spent the next 15 plus years as a compassionate active member of the funeral home team, before retiring.

Outside of work, Robert was passionate about family, travel, nature, new food experiences, and music. An avid fisherman, hiker, and camping enthusiast, he was most at home surrounded by the beauty of nature. He was a talented self-taught musician who played both guitar and piano “by ear.” During his retirement, he enjoyed following local musicians to vineyards throughout Northeast Ohio wine country, as well as traveling around North America. In addition to numerous family vacations to Walt Disney World in Florida, Robert traveled with his wife Sharon from Maine to California, experiencing the national parks and natural wonders of most of the 50 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. He loved to eat and enthusiastically embraced new culinary adventures both at home and during his travels.

For those who knew him, and especially his wife, daughter, “son” and grandchildren, he was known for his unwavering desire to make someone laugh. He was quick to drop a one-liner, share a joke, or launch into one of his many “characters”. Robert’s journey on this earth was one marked by love and laughter. His infectious smile, penchant for mischief and the sound of his laughter will be missed most by his family.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church, 2846 Hubbard Road, Madison, OH 44057. Private interment will occur at a later date at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, OH.

The family will receive friends at Behm Family Funeral Home 26 River Street, Madison OH 44057, Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5-7 pm.
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