Dominick John Bosco

Dominick “Dom” John Bosco, 87, of Lacey, Washington, was called home to his Creator on Sunday, June 16, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion “Nina” Bosco, parents, and sister. He is survived by his four children, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members who will deeply miss him.

Forever grateful to be born to Nicholas and Lucy Bosco of Thompsonville, CT, on August 21, 1936. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving Italian family. While growing up, he enjoyed ice skating on the back pond and working with his uncles on the dairy farm, with whom he developed a lifelong love for farming and agriculture.

After graduating in 1953 from Enfield High School in Enfield, CT, he continued his education at UCONN AG, class of 1955. Soon after graduation, he began employment as an Engineering Aide at Hamilton Standard. His employment was briefly interrupted when he entered the Naval Aviator School in 1958.

In May 1960, Dom received his commission as a 2nd Lt. and his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator. He then joined the Marine Corps at the New River Air Station in Jacksonville, NC, and was assigned to a fleet helicopter squadron. In Dec 1960, he was part of a hand-picked crew sent on humanitarian missions of the SOLANT AMITY tour in the Congo, West Africa. He then returned to New River and was assigned to Squadron HMM-162, which was being formed for deployment to Vietnam, where he served a 13-month assignment during OPERATION SHUFLY operating out of Da Nang. There, his flight responsibilities included troop and equipment movement, the evacuation of troops to safety and medical care, and performing strike support. Due to his professionalism, he earned the prestigious Flying Cross with five gold stars for flying over 100 missions in Vietnam. In addition, he received The USMC Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and Naval Aviator Wings. He also participated in deployments in Udorn, Thailand, and Cubi Point, Philippines, and after fulfilling his 5-year commitment, he was honorably discharged in June 1963.

Following his military career, Dom returned to Connecticut and re-established employment at Hamilton Standard, working as a Service Representative until his retirement in 1993. He worked on notable aircraft such as the SR-71 Reconnaissance plane, the B747, and many others.

In 1966, Dom and Nina got married and together raised four children. During their early years, they moved several times, including to California, Washington, and Minnesota. While in Minnesota, he started the local youth soccer program, and they became avid Minnesota Viking football fans, securing season tickets to the games. The family then moved to Italy for several years, where Dom represented Hamilton Standard. This experience allowed them to reconnect with their family and heritage, a highlight in their memories. Upon returning to the US, Dom designed and built the family’s new home in West Hartland, CT. While in CT, Dom enjoyed making maple syrup, organizing family reunions, pursuing family genealogy, and attending to his hobby farm and a large family garden. He also designed and built a new church in Harwinton, CT, where he participated in many other church activities. Eventually, Dom and Nina built a second home next to the first and retired there for several years before he and Nina relocated to Lacey, WA, in 2016.

After Nina’s passing in 2017, he moved into the Panorama retirement community, where he quickly engaged in an outgoing and social lifestyle. He immediately joined the gardening community and was known for developing the sweet corn field with great success. During his time there, he quickly became a friend and helper to all he met, living out his belief that “There are no strangers in life, just friends I haven’t met yet.” His friends felt loved and seen by Dom, as he could recall the smallest details about each person and often brought smiles during discussions by saying, “Don’t let logic interfere!”

Despite loss and illness, he embraced each day with courage, joy, and curiosity. During this time, he befriended his sweetheart, Jane, with whom he spent many days and numerous road trips enjoying life together.

As a lifelong learner and versatile conversationalist on numerous subjects, his prolific thirst for knowledge kept him an avid reader all his life. He was often found in the puzzle rooms throughout Panorama, enjoying his love of puzzles and friendship. Everyone will remember his quick wit, humor, and unwavering love of God, country, family, and community.

Dom will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the Panorama community. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and friends at Panorama who enriched Dom’s life and provided comfort in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The Benevolent Fund at Panorama using the link provided below.

https://panoramabenevolentfund.org/