John "Jeep" P. Bednarik, Sr., 87, of Allentown, passed peacefully with his family by his side on July 6, 2014. He was the husband of Sandra E. (Sinkbile) Bednarik. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in February 2014. Born in Bethlehem, PA, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Bednarik, immigrants from what is now Slovakia. He was a Catholic and very proud of his Slovak heritage. John graduated from Moravian Prep in 1950 and from the College of William and Mary in 1954 where he played football and was named Tribe Football All American UP-Honorable Mention in 1953. He had a tryout with the Baltimore Colts in 1954 but was forced to drop out due to knee problems. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and served on the U.S.S. Furse D.D. 882. John spent over 40 years teaching and coaching football, his lifetime passion. He coached at Gloucester, VA; Easton High School; Neptune, NJ; Dieruff High School; Lehigh University; and after retiring helped coach at Emmaus High School. Survivors: Loving Wife; Daughter, Christie Bednarik-Etter, wife of Bill Etter; his "#1 Son" John "Jeep" Bednarik, Jr.; Brother, Charles "Chuck" Bednarik and wife Emma; nieces and nephews, and his beloved companions, Chira and Brodie. He was predeceased by daughter, Debra Ann Bednarik; Sisters, Mary Huber and Betty Perino; Brothers, David and Richard. Services: Memorial, Thursday, July 10th, 10:30am, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 10:30am in the funeral home. Contributions: Donations may be made to the Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103, or any animal charity of your choice.

Published in Morning Call on July 8, 2014