John A. Bogdan, a lifelong resident of Aquebogue, passed away on January 3, 2017 at Acadia Center in Riverhead. He was 78 years old.
Born July 6, 1938 in Laurel, he was the son of John and Josephine (Wilcenski) Bogdan. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy (Zaleski) Bogdan and his children John (Valerie) Bogdan of Westminster, Maryland, Sharon Okula of Riverhead and Jeffrey (Kathleen) Bogdan of Manorville. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Catherine, Sophia and Elizabeth Bogdan, Kevin and Jill Okula, and Jeffrey, Jessica and Marissa Bogdan. He is also survived by his sisters Theresa (Ellwood) Mulr of Jacksonville, Florida and Mary Cunningham of Flanders.
Bogdan owned and operated John Bogdan & Sons, Inc., a masonry contractor business for over 50 years and worked all over the North and South Forks.
He enjoyed boating and fishing aboard his boats Pretty Baby, Run-A-Way and Sea Warrior and was the World Record Weakfish holder for many years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends on local Long Island trails and in Old Forge, New York, and Canada.
He enjoyed listening to Polka Time on Sundays and always wanted to have fun and enjoy life. He was a man full of life, love, wisdom and strength. He was not only fun and in good spirits but he was also one of the best joke and storytellers.
Bogdan sponsored a bowling team for many years at the Riverhead Polish Hall and coached Little League Baseball (Kiwanis) and Pop Warner Football (Bluejays.) He was also a member of the Riverhead Polish Independent Club and St. Isidore’s Holy Name Society.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, January 8, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home Inc., 406 E. Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901. A funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, January 9, at 9:30 a.m, at St. Isidore R.C. Church with Rev. Robert Kuznik officiating. Interment will follow at St. Isidore Cemetery.
Memories of John can be left on his Memorial page by clicking here.
