Frank Bednarz Jr.

NASHUA- Frank Bednarz Jr., 83, died peacefully Friday, March 8, 2019 at Community Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Adams, Massachusetts on April 7, 1935 and was the son of the late Frank Victor Bednarz Sr. and Mildred (Dziadzio) Bednarz. He graduated from Adams High School in 1952.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as an Air Traffic Controller stationed in Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1956.

Frank was a resident of Nashua for over 30 years, where he and his loving wife, Mary (Smachetti) Bednarz, raised their family. He was employed as an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration assigned to the Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center in Boston in 1957.   The center moved to Nashua in 1963 where he continued in his role until his retirement in 1985.  One of his most memorable moments occurred on January 20th 1981 when he was the first to welcome a very special aircraft with the call sign “Freedom One” into U.S. air space.  This aircraft carried the 52 Americans who had been held hostage in Iran for 444 days. With the assistance of his coworkers they were able to pipe in “America The Beautiful” over the radio broadcasting throughout the plane. 

Frank was a member of the VFW Post 4368 in Milford, NH and loved sports.  He was an avid Patriots fan. He enjoyed spending summers at Wells Beach and puzzle making was one of his favorite past times.

Frank is survived by his three children, Allen Bednarz and his wife Judy of Nashua, Wayne Bednarz and his wife Debbie of Nashua and Linda Moore and her husband Bill of Nashua; six grandchildren, Dr. Alana Bednarz, Michael Bednarz, Esq, Kayla Bednarz, Jenna Bednarz, Jason Lord, and Billy Moore; two great-grandchildren, John McGinn and Emma Bednarz.

In addition to his first wife, he was predeceased by his second wife Millie (Tighe) Bednarz.  Frank is also survived by his long time companion, Martha Mulvey of Nashua, formerly of Milford.

Relatives and friends are invited to Frank’s visitation on SATURDAY, March 16th from 9 until 9:45 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church, 216 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua. His Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM in the Church with military honors presented at the conclusion. His burial will take place in the spring at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s name to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

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