Bruno J. Bogdewic
Bruno J. Bogdewic, 92, formerly of Cokeburg, died peacefully Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Strabane Woods, Washington, where he resided for the past few years.
Bruno was born April 8, 1926, in Bentleyville, a son of the late Stephan Bogdewic and Helen Cierebiej Bogdewic.
He was a graduate of Bentleyville High School and served as senior class president.
Bruno developed a love for music at an early age and, while in high school, formed and became leader of a popular brass band. He loved to sing, was an excellent dancer and, for many years, was choir director of St. Joseph’s Church in Cokeburg, where he was also a lector and served a term as president of Holy Name Society. More recently, he was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, formerly Ave Maria, where he sang in the choir into his late 80s.
A veteran, Bruno served overseas from 1944 to 1946 with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he returned home.
On July 3, 1948, he married the love of his life, Marge Zamiska Bogdewic. The two were inseparable, traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed many wonderful times together in Jensen Beach, Fla., until her death March 19, 2009.
In 1958, he founded and was chief executive officer of B. Bogdewic Chevrolet, which was a landmark institution in Bentleyville for more than five decades.
Always active in church and community affairs, he served as president of Washington County Deanery and St. Clements School PTG, was chairman of Pigeon Creek Sanitary Authority, committee chairman for Boy Scouts of America and Bentleyville Lions Club and served several years as chairman of White Cane Committee. For a time, he was a member of the Chevrolet dealer’s council and American Legion Post 165, Bentleyville. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and, for many years, was a member of Nemacolin Country Club, where he loved playing golf, socializing and serving as master of ceremonies for the annual Special Olympics outing. Despite his involvement in so many organizations and worthwhile causes, he was always there for his family, who came first in his life.
Bruno was an avid football fan and in the fall, his Saturday’s were spent nervously cheering for his beloved Notre Dame and Sunday’s passionately rooting for his beloved Steelers. His other great passion was fishing and he had many memorable experiences on the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Erie and numerous Canadian waters. For 42 consecutive years, he made an annual week-long fishing trip with family members primarily to Canada. He made his last trip at the age of 91.
His trademark was the passion and determination he invested in any venture he was involved with. His greatest talent was his ability to connect with people. Kindness, compassion and a great sense of humor were all part of his makeup and he never stopped trying to use these gifts to bring a little joy and laughter to all those he touched.
Bruno is survived by children Dr. Thomas A. Bogdewic (MaryAnn) of Sewickley, Bruno L. “Chip” Bogdewic (Patty) of Beallsville and Judy Bogdewic Verno (Chuck) of Washington; seven grandchildren, T.J., Beth, Ryan, Chad and Hannah Bogdewic, Ashley Verno and Kayleigh Verno Stultz (Matt); six great-grandchildren, Shelby, Elizabeth, Victoria, Thomas, Ellie and Jonathan Bogdewic; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are brothers Joseph and Steve Bogdewic and sisters Stella Magurany and Helen Hrutkay.
Friends are welcome from 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255, where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 14. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Bentleyville campus, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville, with the Rev. Edward L. Yuhas, administrator, the Rev. Hugh Lang and the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan as concelebrants. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Township. The Knights of Columbus will pray the Rosary at 7 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638, or Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330.
To leave a condolence message, order flowers and share photos, visit www.thompson-marodi.com.
The staff of Strabane Woods and Gateway Hospice provided such loving care to Bruno.