Patrick David Bednarczyk

PATRICK D. BEDNARCZYK STAUNTON –                                                                                    Patrick David Bednarczyk, 67, beloved husband of Mary Anne (Dickens) Bednarczyk, passed peacefully on November 19, 2017 at his home after a valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born on March 5, 1950 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to the late Stanley Patrick and Irene Teresa (Bambera) Bednarczyk.  Patrick enlisted in the Army in 1969 and served as Instructor of Military Intelligence and Strategic Interrogator.Patrick graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in Slavic Language and Literature.  He completed several years of graduate training in Russian and Polish at Ohio State in addition to graduate work in the National Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. Following his service in the Army, Patrick continued to serve his country working at the Pentagon for the Defense Intelligence Agency.  He was an Intelligence Research Specialist in Soviet-Eastern European Political Military Affairs.  Patrick also served as an Intelligence Branch Chief for Soviet and Afghan Forces.   Notably, he was selected to lead the planning effort for the consolidation of Scientific and Technical Intelligence and General Military Intelligence production, which ultimately culminated in the formation of the National Ground Intelligence Center (“NGIC”) in Charlottesville, Virginia.  He received the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the Meritorious Service Medal.  Patrick retired from NGIC in 2007 as Chief of the EURASIA Division, Forces Directorate. “He was a good man, good analyst, and patriot who led his analytical team to prepare important intelligence assessments that provided the Army with critical intelligence during the Cold War and the War on Terrorism” said a former colleague when informed of Patrick's passing.  “[He] made a difference not only in the lives of those with whom he worked, but in helping to keep our nation safe preserving our freedoms for future generations” said the Chief Public Affairs Officer at NGIC.  Patrick had a passion and love for the theater.  He was active with the Oak Grove Theater, the Waynesboro Players, and Mary Baldwin Theater.  He was an avid reader, world traveler, and a military history enthusiast.  Patrick took great pride in his children and grandchildren and was at his happiest when he was together with his family. In addition to his wife of 48 years, his family includes two sons, David Patrick Bednarczyk and Marjorie Theobald,  Jeffrey Michael and Kristin Bednarczyk of Staunton; his daughter and son-in-law, Jean Michelle and Humes J. “Tripp” Franklin, III of Fishersville; a brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Ann Bednarczyk of Columbus, OH; and nine grandchildren, Emily Bednarczyk, Noah Bednarczyk, Devin Johnson, Brodie Franklin, Mary Quinn Franklin, Thea Franklin, Cooper Bednarczyk, Sloane Franklin, and Humes J. “Trotter” Franklin, IV. A funeral service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. on November 28 at Grace Lutheran Church, Waynesboro by the Rev. Paul Pingel.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.henryfuneralhome.net . Memorial donations may be made to ShenanArts, 300 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401.