Longtime MA Industrial Operator Passes On

Alvin “Al” Bodzioch, 88, New Bedford and Centerville, MA, the second generation owner of Clean Uniforms and More!, passed away on Aug. 17 after an illness. He was a veteran of the industrial laundry industry. In 1955, he assumed the leadership of his family’s home laundry business that was established in 1919, and also oversaw its day-to-day operations when his father retired.

In 1966, Bodzioch signed his first rental work clothes customer. He continued to expand rental operations successfully until his operation was entirely dedicated to the uniform rental business by 1983. He also was long active in UTSA, the association that was blended into TRSA in 2008.

A military veteran, Bodzioch servedin the U.S. Army during World War II and in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. After an honorable discharge, he graduated from the American Institute of Laundering, and National Institute of Drycleaning.

Bodzioch was long active in outreach efforts to Poland as well. He was a member of the Friends of Poland, and he supported several Polish institutions of learning. These included the Laski Institute for the Blind; The Wielka Wies School, where he focused special attention on the school’s computer needs; and The Starachowice School for children with special needs. He also supported the Sisters of Mercy at the Saint Faustina Convent.

Bodzioch was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Helena, who passed away on Aug. 5.

Survivors include daughter Gail Bodzioch Kelleher (Dennis), Rocky Hill, CT; son Mark Bodzioch, president of Clean Uniforms & More, New Bedford; daughter Ann Bodzioch Bojack (fiancé Michael Robinson), Fairhaven, MA; grandchildren Alexa and John Bocciarelli, Rocky Hill, CT; sister Eileen (Bodzioch) Desroches; brother-in-law John S. Wolkowicz (Hertha); and six nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial and private interment were shared by his immediate family under the direction of the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals. Memorials may be made to the Friends of Poland Inc., c/o Edward Piszcz, 127 Sheraton Ave., Somerset, MA 02725;  The Parish Family of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, c/o Father Conrad Salach, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor, 235 North Front St., New Bedford, MA 02746; or to a charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. Click here for additional details