Published December 14, 2018
MELROSE — Joseph J. Bognore, 89, passed away quietly at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington on December 4, 2018. The son of the late Alphonse and Jennie Bognore, he was raised in Everett and attended the Everett Vocational High School where his talents and skill in woodworking became evident.
Joe graduated in 1946 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1948. He served in the Marine Corps as an Military Security Guard and was additionally trained as a 1372 – Assault Breacher. He saw duty at Yorktown Virginia, the Naval Station at Bremerton Washington, Guam, Japan and Korea during the Korean War until his expiration of active service in March of 1952, leaving as a Sergeant. He remained a proud United States Marine throughout his life and until his death. He was a life member of the Melrose VFW Post 2394.
Following his service, Joe returned to cabinet making until his acceptance as a teacher at the Everett Vocational High where he remained employed until his retirement in 1994. Joe was a master in his trade and led many young men including his sons John and Dan to develop their skills and to become successful in the woodworking industry. He and his students were awarded the Golden Hammer trophy three times for the their excellent workmanship in cabinetmaking from the Stanley Tool Company. He created an untold number of spectacular cabinets, tables, lamps, chairs and grandfather clocks throughout the course of his life and remains revered for both his portfolio of work and his steadfast dedication to the trade.
Joe, a resident of Melrose, enjoyed his summers at Hampton, N.H. with his wife Jeni. He was also an avid motorcyclist and toured the United States and Alaska with Jeni ( heart transplant recipient ). They traveled and toured the entire United States by motorcycle during their five nationwide trips. In their earlier days they were members of North Shore Riders and volunteered for many charitable events.
Joe is predeceased by his brother James Bognore and his sister Mary Jones. Joseph was the father of six children of whom three served in the military; John (USMC retired 1st Sgt) and his wife Sharon of New Portland, Maine, Janie and her husband Jim of Chester, N.H., Susan (USAF) and her fiancé Larry of South Lawrence, Danny and his wife Claudia of Wilmington, Lisa and her husband Tom of Texas, Cheryl (USMC) and her husband Jack of Stratton, Maine, and was the grandfather of 27. His extended family included Donna Lubinski and her husband Jim and Mario Fagone and five grandchildren. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. There was a wonderful family reunion after 35 years before Joe’s passing which brought him great joy and to all who where there.
Services will take place at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield on Saturday, December 15 at 10 a.m. with military honors. There will be no viewing. Interment will take place at a later date in a private ceremony. Following Mass everyone is invited to join us in the church hall for a light fare and gathering.
In lieu of flowers at Joe’s request, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or the North Reading Veterans Gift Account Attn: Susan Magner Veterans Director, 235 North Street, North Reading MA 01864.
