Eric Bodnar

Eric Bodnar loved old Hollywood movies and politics. As a young boy, he put a photo of Ronald Reagan on his bedroom wall, signaling his emerging political loyalty. But he valued Hollywood cinema even more. Given a choice between attending a political debate or seeing a James Bond film, he would choose “OO7” every time. He excelled at selecting features for his family after dinner, offering expert commentary on actors and directors, and answering any questions his viewers had. He always knew the answer. When films from Hollywood’s classical era became available on Blu-ray, he enthusiastically embarked upon a collecting spree that made his days. No life event could interfere with his annual viewing of the Academy Awards. For Eric, Reagan was fine, but John Wayne was better. Eric was born on a snowy night in Willimantic, Connecticut on February 23, 1969. Before he died on March 10, 2025, he earned an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science and a master’s degree in social studies education from Indiana University. He moved to Bloomington in 1981 after living in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he regularly visited “Chocolate World.” He was also a 1987 graduate of Bloomington High School South (BHSS) where he took part in dramatic presentations, was on the Academic Decathlon Team, and served as an editorial editor for the school’s newspaper—The Optimist. Students from the time of his editorship could read his commentary whether they agreed with him or not. In an editorial he wrote in The Optimist in 1986 he advocated for drug testing of athletes. He made the point that because athletes served as role models, they were obliged to set a standard of “drug-free living.” To reinforce his argument, he quoted—who else--Ronald Reagan who called upon citizens to “rise up together in defiance against the cancer of drugs.” He also treated readers of The Optimist to occasional movie reviews as well. At the time of his passing, he worked at BHSS with special education pupils and tutored homebound students. Working with students and colleagues at BHSS was a great source of joy for Eric. In 2021 the school district awarded him a “Star of Excellence” certificate. Eric is survived by his father, John Bodnar of Bloomington, his sister, Brenna Snider and brother-in-law Kipp Snider of Arlington, Virginia. His favorite movie audience consisted of his two nieces, Sophie Snider and Francesca Snider, and his nephew John Snider. Movies for them will never be the same. He is also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles, and a host of stray cats he fed daily. His mother, Donna Bodnar, also a cherished member of his viewing public, predeceased him. An open house reception in honor of Eric’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in the Federal Room at the Indiana Memorial Union, Bloomington, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All are welcome. His family recommends donations be made to The Optimist at http://www.bloomingtonsouthoptimist.org or to the Monroe Country Humane Society.

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Eric Bodnar

February 23, 1969 - March 10, 2025