Joseph J. Bajdas

Joseph J. Bajdas, age 96, of Waterloo passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025.

The family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Covert Funeral Home, 7199 Main Street, Ovid, New York. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 7231 Main Street, Ovid. Prayers of committal with military honors will follow at New York State Veteran’s Cemetery – Finger Lakes. The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Joe’s memory to kindly consider Ontario-Yates Hospice, 756 Preemption Road, Geneva NY 14456.

Joe was born in Dunkirk, New York on March 26, 1929, a son of the late Thomas and Anastasia (nee Mekus) Bajdas. He graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1947 and enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1947. He spent 2 years aboard an Air Craft Carrier USS Philippine Sea CV-47 and made two 6 month deployment tours in the Mediterranean Sea and was honorably discharged in 1950. In 1951, he was drafted during the Korean Conflict into the United States Air Force, serving honorably until he was discharged in 1955.

On February 13, 1954, Joe married Shirley (nee Albro) Bajdas of Willard, while deployed in Berkshire, England. He retired as a customer service expeditor from Goulds Pumps in 1991 after 32 years of service.

Joe was a member of the St. Mary’s Church, Seneca Falls Elks Lodge #992, Quarter Century Club of Goulds Pumps, and the Eastern Square Dance Club for 35 years.

Joe is survived by his son, Bradley (Christine) Bajdas; grandson, Michael Bajdas Jr.; several great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Bajdas in 2017; son Michael Bajdas in 2017; and his six siblings.