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Martin Bodrog Obituary
Jeff Prowse, a close friend of Bodrog and family spokesman, said Bodrog was a hardworking Navy veteran and graduate of the Naval Academy who cared deeply about his family, his friends and his country.
"A heart of gold, and one of the most humble, self-effacing guys," said Prowse, a burly ex-Marine who paused several times to fight back tears as he talked.
"This is just an absolute tragedy for so many reasons," Prowse said.
Prowse worked with Bodrog at the Pentagon on amphibious vessel programs. He said Bodrog was transferred from the Pentagon to the Navy Yard in January.
Bodrog had been married for 25 years to Melanie, whom he met while she was serving on active duty as a Navy nurse. The couple had three daughters, ages 23, 17 and 16.
Prowse and Bodrog shared a love of the Boston Bruins hockey team and he last spoke to his good friend about a week ago.
"We were actually getting ready to figure out our Bruins schedule for the year," said Prowse, who retired from the military and now lives in southwest Virginia.
Bodrog was active in his church, where he started a Bible study and helped lead preschool and youth programs, Prowse said. In the winter, Bodrog could be seen in shorts and his Boston Bruins jersey, shoveling the driveways of elderly neighbors.
"The one thing that always stuck out to me about Marty ... was how absolutely driven he was to make sure that the equipment we were giving our Marines and sailors was absolutely the best he could be," Prowse said. "It was not a job for Marty, it was an absolute calling."
___
Associated Press writers Amanda Kell, Ben Nuckols, Allen G. Breed, Emery P. Dalesio, Stacy A. Anderson, David Dishneau, Randall Chase and Jessica Gresko contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
34 Entries
Howard Smith
November 28, 2015
Mr. Bodrog was an Ensign when he reported on board USS Richard L Page FFG-5.. I was an RM2 in the COMM division which he was in charge of.. I was always impressed in how he handled himself, a leader that knew how to lead. Most ensigns are either gunshy or cocky when they report for duty, Mr. Bodrog was even keel.. He treated us as professionals, took his que from the Chiefs, and let us be communicators.. Always having our back.. I was looking forward to seeing him in Albany, and his loss was greatly felt.. To his family, my sympathy, to our shipmates, we've lost one of our leaders! RM1 Howard Smith USN RET
Joe Johnston
December 30, 2013
Family and Friends of Martin Bodrog,
Martin was my Comm Officer aboard USS Richard L. Page (FFG-5) in the early '80s. He was a strong and honorable leader. During the last week of September 2013, the Page Reunion group paid our respects to Martin in Albany, NY, laying flowers in the Hudson River from a WWII Warship. Martin was expected to attend our reunion, and we are deeply saddened by this loss to his family, friends and our nation.
hyde
November 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear love one. May you rely on the fun memories of Mr. Bodrog and allow them to get you through this difficult time. Our Creator has the ability to get you through this and to give you the necessary comfort. May Mr. Bodrog sleep in peace.
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Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
October 16, 2013
Dear Bodrog and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless him and his family.
S Marshall
October 7, 2013
The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult situations we will face in life. Please take comfort in the knowledge that God has the desire and ability to help us through these most difficult of times and that he remembers our loved ones also. Take care of each other and trust in God's love.
September 24, 2013
heart felt thoughts go out to you Mrs. Bodrog and your family in this time of sorrow too deep for words god knows all things. May it console you to know others care and pray for your family
September 23, 2013
sincere sympathy to your family,Our hope is in our loving creator who has said"He is opening his hand and satsfying the desire of every living thing."pslm.145:16....gd.
Leonard Picotte
September 23, 2013
Marty Worked with me a Amphibious Group 2. He was a superb officer and a pleasure to work with. He was a good man.
Please accept our heart felt sympathy. If I can be of assistance to you in any way please don't hesitate to let me know.
LFPicotte
Rear Admiral, USN (ret)
Mark Moore
September 21, 2013
We were blessed to be next door neighbors with the Bodrogs for two years - while living in Little Creek VA's charmed Whoville-esque base housing. Melanie was the first to welcome us, our kids - Nick & Geni played with Isabel - wonderful memories. At that time, Marty had a particularly demanding tour with PHIBGRU 2 - and yet through extended duty days and long hours - it was clear that family was his #1 priority. While its often said of many that they're nice guys - in Marty's case it really is true especially conspicuous as he was among the very demanding USN Surface Warfare Community - Marty really was an Officer & a Gentleman - and for me and us - the nicest guy we've ever met. A real class act, who made the world a better place. For Melanie & Isabel - we hope to see you at the funeral - but just in case - when things settle - we'd love to have you over to our home in Stafford VA to watch some precious videos of our Little Creek days, insofar with the news Lorraine and I have been refreshing = and they bring tears of joy to our eyes- special times Bodrogs! Call us anytime @540 288-8003.
George Hilbish
September 21, 2013
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!
Jennifer (Sullivan) Nash
September 20, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Bodrog family in your tragic loss. I was a year behind Marty in 4th Company at USNA. I remember him as a quiet and good man. The world is a lesser place without him. Rest in Peace, shipmate.
Bratt and Family
September 20, 2013
So sorry to your loss. May the peace of God be with the Bodrog family during this difficult time. My prayer is that the words at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, and 10 comfort you as you feel the void where Martin's presence once resided.
Jaye & Phillip Webb
September 20, 2013
Melanie, our prayers are with you and your girls. Marty was one of the truly good guys. We have very fond memories of you both, of Bible studies, and get-togethers, and camping trips. God bless you and the girls.
Bill Schemel
September 20, 2013
My daughter Kathy (Schemel ) Taraschi and son in law Tom Taraschi graduated AHS Class of 1977 with Marty.Marty stopped at our home many times on his way back to the base.Marty was a great guy.My deepest sympathies go out to his family and to all that knew him.Marty will be missed by all.
Bill Schemel AHS Class of 1944
Ginni Linn
September 19, 2013
You don't know me from Adam, but I read all about your husband and dad in the news and saw his photo. Right away, I knew he was a Boston Bruins fan. I, too, have been a lifelong Bruins fan here in Pennsylvania. We Bruins fans are kindred spirits. I just cried when I saw his photo taken at a Bruins game. I also just posted one of the news stories about him on my Facebook page in his memory. He is the second devoted Bruins fans to die in one of these tragedies. The first was the young boy who died in the Boston bombing. My heart goes out to you for this horrible and senseless loss. He sounded like such a wonderful man. Please know that people you don't even know are out here noticing good people and praying for you, their families. I hope Martin's path in heaven is paved in the black and gold of his beloved Bruins.
Doug Doughty
September 19, 2013
My wife and Melanie were college roommates. We never met Marty. Wish we had. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Volpe
September 19, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Bodrog family. Although I never met his wife and daughters, I feel I know then through his stories and pride in his family. The world is a better place because Marty was here.
mike s
September 19, 2013
I grew up with marty in village green in north andover ma. what a great friend he was. he was so creative back then. had so much fun as a kid. me, chris, greg, jeff and gizmo will miss him so much. my
condolences go out to his family
Marcus
September 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with the family at this time. 2 Cor. 1:4.
September 18, 2013
My condolences to the Bodrog family,
"May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU"-Romans 15:33
The Duncan's GA
Mrs. McGee
September 18, 2013
My most sincere condolences to the family for this senseless loss of your beloved. We pray that Mr. Bodrog is resting in peace.
Jerry Lademan
September 18, 2013
I did not know Marty but I am profoundly saddened by his death. He was by all accounts a good man senselessly taken far too soon. May God comfort his family during this difficult time.
Ed and Chuck Wolfe
September 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Martins family. What a shock.
Linda Sisan
September 18, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. May your family find comfort in God,s promise to"wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no,neither will mourning nor outcry no pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
September 18, 2013
We did not know Marty, but we are sending sincere condolences from Audubon, NJ. We wish the family peace and strength at this horrific time.
September 18, 2013
The thing I remember most about Marty is that he was always cheerful, uncommon in our line of work. We were all better for knowing him.
Tom Crowley, CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Scott Chamberland
September 18, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Maryellen
September 17, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Martin Bodrog. A terrible tragedy. May he R.I.P.
Patty Crandlemire Whitney
September 17, 2013
Marty was a classmate of mine at the US Naval Academy. A great guy who will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Denise Thompson Manley
September 17, 2013
I graduated with Marty in 1977. I was horrified to learn that a classmate was one of the victims of the horrible event yesterday. I remember him as a sweet guy who always had something nice to say. Marty was quiet, but always managed to make us laugh. My prayers go out to you all.
Denise Thompson Manley
September 17, 2013
I graduated with Marty in 1977. I was saddened to learn that a classmate was one of the victims of the horrible event yesterday. I remember him as a sweet guy who always had something nice to say. Marty was quiet, but always managed to make us laugh. My prayers go out to you all.
September 17, 2013
I just saw Marty's picture on the news and realized I had served with him in Amphibious Group 2 in the early 90s. A great American and true patriot. Semper Fi Marty! W.H. Parrish Col USMC (ret)
Gay Moceri
September 17, 2013
I was once a teacher at Audubon High School. I was devastated today to hear that one of my students was among the victims of yesterday's tragedy. I remember Marty as very bright and also very funny. What a horrible loss! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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