John Leo Boskovich

JANUARY 10, 1926 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 John Leo Boskovich, who along with his brothers helped found Boskovich Brothers Farms and who in later life was a popular and avid supporter of the Spirit of Troy, USC Marching Band, died on Tuesday, September 7, at the age of 84, after a brief period of declining health. His story in many ways mirrored the great events of the twentieth century and the city of Los Angeles. Born on January 10, 1926 in a Los Angeles that little resembles the city of today, John grew up in North Hollywood when it was still very much a rural community of dirt roads. His father Stephen Boskovich was a Croatian immigrant and one of the early farmers to work the valley. After attending North Hollywood High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served on the U.S.S. Saratoga during WWII. His training as a Fireman 1st class was severely tested when the Saratoga sustained heavy damage and caught fire in June 1945 during the early stages of the battle of Iwo Jima. During the battle the Saratoga was heavily bombed and sustained five direct hits by Kamikaze planes, but through the valiant efforts of her crew, managed to remain afloat. After the war, John returned home to the Valley, and alongside his brothers, Philip and George founded Boskovich Brothers, growing green onions and serving customers throughout Southern California. In the 1960's, as the business and the Valley grew, the operation moved north to Newhall/Saugus, and later to the Oxnard Plain in Ventura County. Adding the next generation in the 1970's, Boskovich Brother's grew into Boskovich Farms, which now farms on over 10,000 acres in California, Arizona and Mexico. Even though he never attended the University, John became a regular fixture at USC Football games. Recognizing the marching band's need for support, John began fund raising so that the band could purchase musical instruments and travel to away games alongside the players. The most visible fund raising effort also grew into a popular tradition. With a huge sign to announce it and ten-foot long grills firing away, "Bosko's Barbecue" became a tailgate party for upwards of 700 people, with all the proceeds going to support the band. As a sign of gratitude, the USC Marching Band would march out of the stadium and play for the attendees of "Bosko's Barbecue" with a proud John front and center. In the 1950's John met the love of his life, Marcie. They were happily married until her death in 2007. John and Marcie had one son John Boskovich Jr., who later graduated from USC and became an important LA based conceptual artist and whose work is in the permanent collections of LACMA and MOCA and who's influential film with comedian Sandra Bernhard "Without You I'm Nothing" is a cult favorite to this day. To the couple's great sadness, John Boskovich Jr. passed away in 2006. John is survived by his brother Philip and a large and loving extended family including Krista Montagna who lived with the Boskovich's as a young girl and was like a daughter, as well as countless nephews and nieces, many close friends and fellow Squires. A viewing will be held at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary at 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, with Funeral services at 10:30 a.m., in the mission. Reception to follow at the Odyssey Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the USC Marching Band in the name of John Boskovich at Stonier Hall, University Park, California 90089-1141. Directors 818-361-7387