Joseph A. Bahnatka

Joseph A. Bahnatka, 81, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home in Red Hook.

Born January 25, 1942 in Dover, NJ, he was the son of Joseph A. and Anne (Gosden) Bahnatka.

Joe received a BS in Education in 1965 from East Stroudsburg (PA) University where he was captain of the football team. After a brief career as a professional linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, he returned to East Stroudsburg to coach football.  He also taught history for one year in Hyde Park (NY) Central School District.

Bahnatka enlisted in the Army in 1966 and spent 1968 in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant with the 5th Special Forces Group (the “Green Berets”).  In 1969, he was promoted to captain and served with the 10th Special Forces Group, Ft. Devens, MA.  He currently holds the rank of Major, USAR.

Upon leaving military service in 1970, Bahnatka resumed his career as a history teacher in Hyde Park, earning a master’s degree in history in 1974 from the State University of New York, New Paltz. 

Joe Bahnatka was Chairman of Med-Care Convalescent Supply Company, Inc., which he founded in Rhinebeck, NY, in 1976 with his wife, Dorothy. 

In recognition of his leadership in the home health industry, Joe Bahnatka was elected in February 1984 to the key post of President of the National Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers.

In March 1986, Joseph A. Bahnatka formed Global Management Corporation.  Global became a full service professional property management company, involved in condominium, residential, and commercial properties.  In March 1997, Global changed its name to GEM Community Management, Inc. and then became Elite Property Services. In January, 2004, Joe founded Record Storage Solutions, Inc. and was still working at the time of his death.

Joe Bahnatka served as President of the Board of Directors of Northern Dutchess Hospital and was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Rhinebeck Bank.  Joe was also a life member of the Reserve Officers Association, life member of the Special Forces Association and a member of the American Legion Montgomery Post # 429, Rhinebeck.

Joe is survived by his wife Dorothy (Furst) whom he married April 10, 1969 in Hawaii on R&R while serving in Vietnam; his two daughters Leigh Bahnatka, and Bryn (Wes) Bahnatka Dier; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul Bahnatka.

Calling hours are, Thursday, July 13th,  3:oo PM to 5:00 PM , at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 West Market St. Rhinebeck.  Friends and Family are invited to the American Legion, 6331 Mill St.,  Rhinebeck, following calling hours (5:30 PM) for continued fellowship and refreshment.

Memorial donations may be made to The Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

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