John E. Bossert, passed away on September 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 87.
Jack was born and raised in Rosebank, Staten Island. He graduated from New Dorp High School and then joined the United States Navy at age 18. He served his country for four years as a third-class quartermaster (QM3) aboard the USS Roanoke. He met the love of his life, Dolores (née McGowan) at a candy store in Rosebank, and they married shortly afterwards. They lived in New Dorp, Stapleton and finally Great Kills where they lived together until her passing in July 2021. They were married for 65 years.
Jack and Lorie raised a family of eight children. They were active parishioners of both Immaculate Conception Church in Stapleton and Saint Clare’s Church in Great Kills. They developed relationships with many extended family members, friends, and neighbors wherever they went.
After marrying Lorie in 1956, Jack was employed with the Staten Island Rapid Transit, White Rock Distributors and Holtermann's Bakery. He became a New York City Firefighter in October of 1960, and the job and all it entailed became the second love of his life. He frequently stated that being a fireman was the best job in the world. Jack started his firefighter career in Chinatown. He was transferred to Ladder Company 77 on Broad Street in Stapleton, where he was a tiller. He was often seen greeting others as they passed by on the way to a fire.
Jack also maintained side jobs as a painter, cab driver, and a nurse’s aide at Vanderbilt Nursing Home. He attended CSI where he attained an AAS degree. Jack enjoyed being a coach for basketball and baseball. He was an avid and skilled golfer, scoring two holes in one in his lifetime. He was a member of the South Shore Early Bird Club and the Sunrise Club.
Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife, and trips to Atlantic City. His most enjoyable moments however were spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Jack is predeceased by his wife Dolores, his parents John and Marion Bossert, and his brother Joseph Bossert. He is survived by his brother Jay Bossert and his wife Rosemarie. He is also survived by his 8 children, Janet Mackey and her husband, Dan; Jeanine Yalango and her husband, Peter; Eileen Ayuso and her husband, Mike; his daughter Dr. Jo-Ellen Bossert; his son, Jack Bossert and his wife, Kris; Stephanie Vandenberg and her long-time partner, Pasquale Rago; Michael Bossert and his fiancé, Gina Marinello; and Dan Bossert and his wife, Susann. He was the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
A visitation for Jack will be held Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 20, 2021 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Clare’s Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308. A committal service will occur Monday, September 20, 2021 from 11:15 AM to 11:30 AM at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309.
Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475
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