Century Club: WWII vet, bar owner turns 100
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John Bodnar, who turned 100 last week, was a military policeman during World War II. That experience likely came in handy when he had to remove unruly patrons of his bar in Homestead.
He was born on Dec. 29, 1911, in Duquesne. One of eight children, he and his brother, Bill, are the only survivors. Mr. Bodnar served in the Army from March 15 to Dec. 10, 1945, taking part in campaigns in Normandy, northern France and Rhineland Ardennes, Central Europe. His decorations/citations include the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal with five bronze stars and a WWII Victory Medal.
Mr. Bodnar owned and ran a bar for many years at the corner of McClure Street and East 19th Avenue in Homestead. He is a widower and has no surviving children. In 2003, he moved to the Southwestern Veterans Center in Lincoln-Lemington. He celebrated his birthday with other residents there on Thursday.
First Published January 3, 2012 12:00 am
