John J. Bosack of Mahopac, N.Y. passed away on August 6, 2021 at the age of 83. He was born on March 18, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., son of the late John and Tekla “Tillie” (Krasnavage) Bosack. John grew up in Connecticut and he graduated from Hartford High School in 1956 as valedictorian of his class.
John attended Yale University on a full merit scholarship, graduating summa cum laude in 1960 and receiving the prestigious Seymour Prize. He received another full scholarship to attend graduate school at Harvard University, earning his master’s degree in education from Harvard in 1962.
On June 22, 1963, John married Claudia Demers at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford. God blessed them with 58 years of happy married life together.
John spent his entire 34-year career teaching English at Fox Lane High School in Bedford, N.Y., and served for many years as Chairman of the English Department and as President of the Bedford Teachers’ Union. John was a dedicated teacher, known for his wit and insight, and he advocated for the faculty as well as for the students and the community. John was also a life-long learner, who enjoyed attending a number of National Endowment for the Humanities courses at universities in various states. John retired in 1996.
Some of John’s favorite activities in retirement were reading, traveling to see family and friends, attending plays and movies, listening to opera, and doing crossword puzzles. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, including many lovely vacations at the beach together. John also participated in the activities of the Northern Westchester Retired Teachers’ Association, and enjoyed maintaining his friendships and connections with fellow retired teachers.
In addition to his beloved wife Claudia, John is survived by his son John Steven Bosack and daughter-in-law Maria Bosack of Reston, Va., daughter Mary Ann Wyshner and son-in-law David Wyshner of Short Hills, N.J., brother Theodore Bosack of Wakefield, R.I., and five grandchildren, whom he adored.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 12 from 4 to 7 PM at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 13 at 11:30 AM at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel, N.Y. A private interment will take place at St. Sebastian’s Columbarium in Lake Carmel, N.Y. at a later date.