Philip Michael (Mike) Bogdanovitch

Philip Michael (Mike) Bogdanovitch, 85, of Springville, Pa., died Friday, July 22, in Tunkhannock, Pa. Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Springville United Methodist Church, in Springville, Pa. The family will receive friends following the services.

Philip Michael (Mike) Bogdanovitch was born Feb. 2, 1920, in Somerville, N.J., to Michael Philip and Marie (Wittrock) Bogdanovitch. He married Mary Jane Cue Sept. 29, 1943.

He attended Somerville High School and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his football, track and wrestling achievements. While in high school, he held the state record for the shot-put at 50 feet and is known as one of the best shot putters that the school has ever produced.

He continued this outstanding athletic career at Iowa State University. He was enrolled in their forestry program, which allowed him to be close to the outdoors and nature that he had loved. He was always at his best when seated in front of a fire with the stars overhead. He also at this time met Mary Jane, his future wife and love of his life. But as happened to many of his generation, the war interrupted his studies. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served as a Navy pilot in the South Pacific during World War II, and is a holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he made the decision to remain in the Navy. During his Navy career, which spanned 21 years, he had many assignments with flying always being at the center. He worked on experimental catapult systems for aircraft carriers and flew the lonely Pacific, from Hawaii to Alaska, as part of the U.S. early warning system during the cold war. He retired from the Navy as a commander.

After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the Highland Metal Products Co., in Roselle, N.J., managing the manufacturing process of a short-run metal stamping shop. Additionally, in Bridgewater, N.J., he was a volunteer fireman and assisted with Boy Scouts, helping many young men through teachings and actions to respect and care for the environment and to serve their community.

He was a member of Springville United Methodist Church and former member of Pluckemin Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, where he served as a deacon.

He lived in Bridgewater, N.J., and Lake Clear, N.Y., before moving to Pennsylvania.

His devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, leader and friend was admired by all that had the good fortune to know him. His presence will be missed by many.

He was survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Cue) Bogdanovitch; three daughters, Susan J. Webber of Clawson, Mich., Kevin M. (Craig) Hartigan of Stewartsville, N.J., and Ann (John) Riveiro, of Springville, Pa.; two sons, Philip M. (Sally) Bogdanovitch of Paul Smiths, N.Y., and James R. Bogdanovitch of Gretna, Va.; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Clark and Josephine Pfaff.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the Springville Volunteer Fireman, PO Box 107, Springville, PA, 18844.

Bartron-Myer Funeral Home Inc. of Montrose, Pa., is in charge of arrangements.

Tribune, The (Ames, IA) - Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Philip Michael Bogdanovitch (1920)