Robert J. Bogard , 90, of Berwick passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Berwick Retirement Village.
Born in Berwick on March 15, 1926, he was a son of the late David E. and Martha J. (Rough) Bogard. He graduated from Berwick High School. He served in the US Army during WWII where he earned several decorations and medals, including 2 purple hearts. After an honorable discharge, he earned a master’s degree from Wagner College in New York City. He taught at Wagner College and was a world history teacher at McKee Technical School in Staten Island, NY. He was a successful self-made man who also dealt in real estate and managed several rental properties.
Bob or “Bogie”, as many knew him, was a member of the VFW Post 8227, Nescopeck, and VFW Post 821, Berwick. He also belonged to the Masons while living in New York. He liked fishing, in his younger years he hunted and trapped as well. He enjoyed gardening and canning food. He made 30 different varieties of homemade wine. He had a vast knowledge of plants, such as what was edible and what could be used for medicinal purposes.
He will be greatly missed by his loving companion, Clara Cubberly of 50 years, who stayed by his side through the good and bad times; a sister, Hope Denby, Clifton, NJ; and many nieces and nephews including, Jane L. Dunn, Nancy J. Houck, Carol L. Borick, and David L. Bogard who were also his caregivers. Numerous great nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Alice Minier, Irene E Dunn, and June Clewell; brother, David R Bogard; and infant brother, John.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck with Reverend Richard Dennison officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Berwick. Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nescopeck VFW Post 8227, 435 West Third St, Nescopeck PA, 18635 or Commonwealth Hospice, 109 West 9th St, Berwick, PA 18603
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.