John A. Bogus Jr.
Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128
John A. “Sonny” Bogus Jr., 84, of Centerville Borough, died Saturday, April 21, 2018, following a lengthy illness.
He was born February 22, 1934, in Centerville, a son of the late John A. Sr. and Mildred Bartus Bogus.
Mr. Bogus was a 1952 graduate of Centerville High School and a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 22, 1953, to July 22, 1956.
He had been employed as a splicer for Bell Telephone Co. for over 36 years before retiring. He later went to Maritime School in Annapolis, Md., and received his captain’s license and pursued his love of sailing. His dream of sailing around the world was unfortunately dashed when a storm and heavy seas severely crippled his boat on his way to Portugal, and he and his crew were lucky to make it to shore. He continued to sail and charter boats on a much smaller scale for years after. He later started a polka band, Johnny Bogus and the Polka Melody Kings. He played bass and the constantine all over the tri-state area. They recorded two albums in their time together; their debut album was self-titled and the second album was called “No Deposit, No Return.” He loved golfing, gardening, cutting wood and the outdoors.
Mr. Bogus was a 60-year member of Centerville American Legion Post 705, where he was active in its golf league, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Bedford, Mon Valley Leathernecks and U.S. Power Squadron.
On May 28, 1960, he married Delores “Tootse” Spitak, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Sandy Roux of Washington and Rose Bercosky of Centerville; two brothers, Ed Bogus (Rebecca) of Pencraft and Alan Bogus (Lisa) of Clarksville; six grandchildren, Brooke Whiting, Hayley Bercosky, John Bercosky, Robyn Roux, Roberto Roux and Alexander Roux; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a brother, Charles Bogus.
Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 26, with the Rev. Jeremy Mohler officiating. Entombment will be held in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill. Full graveside military rites will be accorded by Centerville American Legion Post 705 and Mon Valley Leathernecks.
A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.