Albert Joseph Banasky

Albert J. Banasky Ski 88, went to his eternal rest July 4, 2009 surrounded by members of his loving family at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. A native of Meirs Corners, Staten Island, NY. He was the son of the Late Andrew and Anna Banasky "Ski" moved to Portsmouth in 1967. Lt. A. J. Banasky, USN Lieutenant Albert J. Banasky was born in Staten Island, New York, 17 March 1921. Following his graduation from McKee High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 30 January 1940. Lieutenant Banasky reported to the Naval Training Station, Newport, Rhode Island. Following his recruit training he was assigned to the Commissioning Detail, USS DIXIE AD14. In 1942, while serving aboard the OSS WIDGEON ASR-1, he qualified as Diver, Second Class. Upon completion of his tour in the DIXIE, he attended Deep Sea Divers School qualifying as a Diver, First Class. Following graduation, he reported to the USS MALLARD ASR-1. Upon completion of this tour, he was assigned to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. His next assignment was the USS HOWARD W. GILMORE AS16. In 1949 he was assigned to the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, Indian Head, Maryland. Upon completion of Explosive Ordnance Disposal School he was assigned to COMSEVENTEEN. Following this tour, he reported to the newly formed Mine Disposal Unit One. In 1953 he reported to Staff Explosive Ordnance School as an instructor. He was designated a Master Diver on 23 April 1954. In 1957 he reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Two. Lieutenant Banasky was then assigned to Naval Ordnance Laboratory Test Facility, Fort Lauderdale, serving in the USS YDT-9. In 1961 he was selected for Lieutenant Junior Grade and commissioned at the Officer Candidate School LDO at Newport, Rhode Island. His next assignment was Naval Ammunition Depot, Oahu. During this tour he served a tour of additional duty with JTF-8 as C.T.E.8.9.3.6 at Johnston Island. He then was assigned to Naval Ammunition Depot, Earle, New Jersey. Upon completion of this tour, Lieutenant Banasky reported to Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Juliens Creek as Officer in Charge, Explosive Ordnance Detachment. Lieutenant Banasky has served in temporary billets with Air Force, Coast Guard and Naval Ships during his tour in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal field. Lieutenant Banasky wears the Navy Good Conduct Medal 7th Award; American Defense Medal Fleet Clasp; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and National Defense Service Medal Star. He is married to the Former Virginia A. Withers of Charleston, South Carolina, and will reside in Portsmouth, VA. Loaned by the US Navy as a diver on the Geographic-Smithsonian-Link expedition of the drowned city of Port Royal Jamaica he was credited with the find of the expedition. Mr. Banasky was awarded a 50 plus year federal service pin in March 1992. He was a member of Portsmouth Scottish Rite, Osiris Pentalphia Lodge #23 F.A.A.M. Wash. DC. Supreme Council #33 Wash. DC. Mr. Banasky is survived by his sisters; Helen Campbell of Metuchon, NJ, and Ethel Foran, of Staten Island, NY; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A Funeral Service to Honor Mr. Banasky will be held in the chapel at Arlington National Cemetery on November 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors. Arrangements are entrusted to Loving Funeral Home Churchland Chapel, Portsmouth, VA.

Albert Joseph Banasky

October 13, 2009 - October 13, 2009