Obituary of Stanley Banyra

Stanley Banyra passed away peacefully on November 19, 2015 at the age of 95, in Manchester NJ. He was born in New York City to Anna Kozyra and Stefan Banyra, and lived in Wyckoff and Mahwah for over 40 years before moving to Manchester 10 years ago. Stan graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S in Chemical Engineering; in addition, he was active in the ROTC. Upon graduation he went to serve our country in WWII as an officer in the Army Air Corp, and supported both U.S. and British forces in Africa, Egypt, India and other Middle Eastern countries. Stanley rose to the rank of Captain as an instructor in aviation chemical warfare, providing support behind the lines of the Second Battle of El Alamein. Stanley was decorated for his efforts in both the European-Africa-Middle Eastern and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters. In addition, he received a letter of Commendation for his support of both the USAAF and Royal Air Forces heavy bomber stations during the Burma Operations. Upon the completion of his tour of duty he began working at American Cyanamid Corp. in 1946 as a Chemical Engineer, employed for 40 years overseeing the construction of chemical plants in various parts of the U.S. and Internationally. Upon early retirement, he worked for Weichert Realty in Wyckoff. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Killeen Banyra, whom he met while they both worked in the Empire State Building. He was the proud father of eight children born in 5 states due to the nature of his work: Kathleen Doerfler (Tom) of Louisville, CO; Patricia Furrey (Dr. John) of S. Dartmouth, MA; Eileen Banyra (Joy Trapani) of New Paltz, NY; Ann Grindall (Mike) of Point Pleasant, NJ; Stephen Banyra of Naples, FL; Michael Banyra of Manchester, NJ; Maureen Egan (Tom) of Mahwah, NJ; and John Banyra (Jane Anne) of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. Also, his dearly loved grandchildren: Erin Roberts (Patrick); Dr. John Furrey, Jr. (Katherine); Kaitlin Furrey, Juliann Furrey, Keelin Grindall, Cormac Grindall, Angelina Banyra-Trapani, Liam Egan, Molly Egan, Jack Banyra, Patrick Banyra, Cailin Banyra, Julia Banyra, and one great-grandchild, Ella Roberts. Stanley was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was on the first Parish Council at St. Elizabeth’s in Wyckoff, NJ. Stanley and Mary enjoyed their vacation home in Pocono Farms C.C., where Stan taught his children and grandchildren how to fish and golf, and where many wonderful family memories were made. Stanley was an avid golfer for over 75 years; fisherman, skier, and all-around athlete. He could build or fix anything he set his mind on and always had a project or two going. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (Poppa), and great-grandfather, cherished and loved by all who had the honor of knowing him. Stanley was a practicing Catholic who spoke volumes by his actions. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 22nd from 3-7pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 23rd 10:30am, at St. Elizabeth’s R.C. Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Stan's name to the Wounded Warriors Project in honor of all of our veterans.