Obituary of Stanley L. Jedynak

STANLEY L. JEDYNAK Latham- Dr. Stanley (Stacy) L. Jedynak, 93, Professor Emeritus of Siena College, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2015. He was born on July 3, 1922 in Lackawanna, NY and was the son of Pelagia Stasiw and Stefan Jedynak. He was married for 50 years to his beloved wife, the late Jean Faulis Jedynak. Stacy, as he was known to his family, friends and colleagues, was a veteran of WWII, having served as a Japanese interpreter in the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre. He participated in campaigns on the Pacific Islands of New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa. His decorations include a Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre ribbon with three combat stars and the North China Service Medal. He also served with the Marines in the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He is a lifetime member of the First Marine Division Association and the North China Marine Association. Dr. Jedynak pursed his academic career at the University of Buffalo and received his doctorate from Syracuse University. He taught English at Siena College for 39 years. He was a specialist in the works of James Joyce and Modern British Literature, Russian Literature, and Historical and Descriptive Linguistics. During his tenure, he served on a number of committees, notably the Committee on Academic Freedom, American Association of University Professors and the Faculty Handbook Committee. He was twice elected to chair the English Department and edited the Greyfriar, Siena's literary journal. Dr. Jedynak was a lifetime member of the AAUP, The Modern Language Society and the James Joyce International Society. Stacy and Jean were a vibrant part of the Siena community, often hosting faculty gatherings. Their home was always open to colleagues and often featured lively debates late into the night. Stacy was an avid tennis player and could often be found on the Siena courts. He was predeceased by three brothers and a sister: John, Joseph, and Raymond Jedynak, and Sophie Kozuch. He is survived by a step-sister, Rose Tylec, and his three beloved children: Janice Jedynak, Stacy John Jedynak and Jacqueline Jedynak Wayne, as well as six grandchildren: Heidi Jordan Schmitt, Carra Abrahams, Camille Sturges, Evan and Adam Jedynak and Dakota Wayne. He also had seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday, July 16 at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Friends and relatives are invited. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Church on Friday, July 17 at 10 am. Interment will be in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dr. Jedynak's name would be appreciated by the following organizations: Siena College Faculty Memorial Fund, The First Marine Division Association Scholarship Fund and Our Lady of Assumption Capital Campaign Fund. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.