Richard A. Bognar Sr., 75, of Varner’s Hollow Road in Berwick, passed away on July 9, 2016 at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg.
Born in Berwick on January 10, 1941, he was the son of the late Alex Sr. and Emma (O’Chipa) Bognar and a graduate of Berwick High School. He worked for most of his early years at his parent’s ARCO service station at the end of Market Street in Berwick (now Scicchitano’s) as a mechanic until his parents retired and closed the business. He continued to service cars privately in a small garage near his home on the outskirts of Berwick. With his family he sold strawberries and blueberries that he had picked himself in the Berwick area. He also enjoyed deer hunting prior to the start of his craft business.
For over 40 years Richard owned and operated Pine Forest Crafts and Berwick Wholesale out of his home. He could be found at Hometown Farmers Market, Bloomsburg Fair in the Industrial Building, and numerous craft shows throughout Central Pennsylvania. Many times he would be strolling the craft shows and talking with vendors, he was commonly known as “Boots”. Richard always believed in helping the “little guy”, providing product at rock bottom prices to help others support their families or cause. He was known to customers as always giving a good deal and on many occasions giving items away for free. The family business also supported the Nun’s in their crafting needs at numerous church bazaars throughout the coal region.
He will be greatly missed by his loving family Richard Bognar, Jr. and wife Susan, Drums; daughters, Jennifer Hain and husband Dennis, Middleburg, Jodi Felegie and companion David Oakes, Danville; grandchildren James Felegie, Colby Bognar, and Corie Ryman, and a great granddaughter, Zoey Bush. He is also survived by his sister Joan Fugler and husband George of Maryland; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Naomi R. Bognar, brother Alex Bognar Jr. and sister Mary Emma Yohey.
A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at his daughter’s house at the family’s convenience. Heller Funeral Home, Nescopeck is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made toward a student scholarship, “Dare to Dream Award”, in Naomi and Richard’s name at Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School. Contributions should be made payable to Columbia Montour AVTS and mailed to the Bognar Family at 1188 East Market Road, Middleburg, PA 17842.
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com