Lucy P. Bogdanovich

Portland- Lucy P. Bogdanovich, 88, passed away with her family by her side on Monday, September 8, 2014. The daughter of Constantino, and Giustina (Aceto) Piacentini, she was born in Portland Maine, on May 17, 1926. She attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School. After high school graduation, she attended and graduated from Sargent College (now Boston University) in 1949. She also held degrees from the Universities of Maine, and New Hampshire. Upon graduation from college she immediately started teaching and coaching at Deering High School. After a couple years she met Edward Bogdanovich, and the two were married on April 19, 1956. They settled in Portland, and raised three sons. Lucy-or Mrs. B. as she is known at Deering High School, coached varsity field hockey for 28 years, basketball for 11 years, and softball for 11 years. Her field hockey coaching included three tenures: 1949-1958, 1959-1961, and 1971-1988. During her years as a physical education teacher and coach, Lucy was regarded as Deering’s “Dean of Women”, who supported and motivated her players on and off the field. In 1985, Lucy was the special guest of the Maine Field Hockey All State Banquet, where she was honored for winning over 100 games. In 1989 she received the Special Recognition Reward from Sargent College (B.U. Alumni Association), Lucy was the 2004 recipient of Exemplary Lifetime Commitment Award presented by the National Girls and Women in Sports Association. She was inducted into the National Field Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. She was very proud of her involvement with Title IX, bringing equality to women’s sports in Maine. Lucy’s accomplishments at Deering came at a time when she was also a dedicated wife, homemaker and mother of three sons. Even after retirement she continued to be Deering High School’s biggest sports fan, however, she especially enjoyed rooting from the sidelines for her grandchildren, thrilled that they followed her in her passion for sports. Lucy will be lovingly remembered by her sons, their wives, and her grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Lucy was predeceased by her husband Edward of 37 years, who passed away in 1993, her brothers Anthony, John, Albert, Joseph, and George Piacentini, and her sisters, Anne & Angie Piacentini.

She is survived by her sons Ed Jr., and his wife Jeanne of South Portland, Peter and his wife Judy of Scarborough, and Paul and his wife Becky of Scarborough, grandchildren, Eddie the 3rd, Alexis, Erin, Luke, Heidi, Lucy, Max, and Caleb. She is also survived by her brother Frank Piacentini of Lawrenceville GA.

Lucy’s family wishes to thank her in-home caregivers, who took such good care of their mom.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from 4-8 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. Prayers will be recited on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 9:15 AM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. Portland, with Father Ed Clifford, celebrating.

Donations can be made in Lucy’s Memory to the Deering Athletics Fund, 370 Stevens Ave. Portland ME 04013.