Obituary of Bernard J. Magda

Bernard J. Magda, 90, of Ashley, died peacefully at home Saturday. Born in Ashley on March 1, 1921, he was the last surviving child of the late John and Anna (Kunic) Magda. He was a 1939 graduate of Ashley High School and a member of St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church. Bernie served during WWII as a Sergeant in Company C 337 Engineers Combat Battalion. He was a founder of Ashley Coal Dealers and later was self-employed as a heating and plumbing contractor. Bernie was a member of the Catholic War Vets, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. As an active member of the Ashley Lions Club for 55 years, he held most posts and was Treasurer for many years, and helped with the White Cane Collections each year. He was selected Lion of the Year three times and also received the prestigious Lions International Presidential Award. Bernie was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Joseph, Andrew, and Alexander "Tommy" and sisters, Ann Famalaro and Maryann Magda. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Josette "Jozia" Zawlocki; daughters, Sharonlee A. Madrak of Akron, NY, and Bonnie M. Maday, RN, of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Robyn Madrak-Plant, PhD of Chicago, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at 11am at St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church in Ashley with Rev. O'Malley officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10am until the time of the mass. Arrangements are entrusted to Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Luzerne.