John Bosnyak passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 with his wife, Melita and family by his side. John was born on May 16, 1937 in Meriden, Conn. to parents, Joseph and Bessie, and was raised with his older brothers, Charlie and Joe, both veterans of World War II. John graduated from Lyman Hall H.S. in Wallingford and New Haven State Teachers College. He spent his professional career as a teacher and school psychologist in the Wallingford public schools. Being an early entry to school psychology, he took great joy mentoring younger colleagues and always put his students first. John's quick wit was well known in the schools and his humor was appreciated by people of all ages, genders and races.

John married Melita (Hamelin) and celebrated 62 years of marriage this year; raising their family on North Main Street in Wallingford. His family includes daughter, Toni and husband, Bill Wray; sons, David (widower to Denise), and Marc and wife, Joan. Grandchildren: Elizabeth and husband, Steve Paddock, Laura and husband, Rosen Ivanov, and Emily and fiance, Jareed Gaines, Rachel Bosnyak, Lauren Bosnyak, and John Charles II Bosnyak. Great grandchildren: Owen and Keira Melita Paddock. He leaves numerous extended family members including brothers-in law (Larry, Wil, and Glen Hamelin); sister-in law, Mary Bosnyak; nieces and nephews (Zan, Joe, Suzy, and Candy Bosnyak); great-nieces and -nephews; and many other cherished family and friends.

John spent his retirement in St. Augustine, Fla. and Green Hill Beach, R.I. He was an avid fly fisherman and gardener. He will be missed for making his family and friends feel special and loved.

Funeral services are private to the family under the direction of Craig Funeral Home and Crematory, St. Augustine, Fla.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record-Journal on Apr. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bosnyak

Sponsored by Craig Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Dick Dombroski

April 26, 2019

My deepest sympathy to Melita and Johns family. I graduated high school with Melita and John. I also lived in the same house as John while in high school. I never knew John to say a negative thing about anyone or anything.
RIP, John

Skip St. Arnold

April 26, 2019

I was a classmate of Johns, LHHS '55, and will always remember him as a standout student highly respected among his classmates. So sad to hear of his passing.

Bosnyak family

April 25, 2019

Thank you all for your kind words about Dad. Stories about Washington Street School and Simpson School filled our dinner table for many years. And of course, Ferndoc and teacher friends were always part of our family. Thank you all for sharing your sense of humor and kindness with Dad. Warmest regards, the Bosnyak family.

John Gillooly

April 23, 2019

My obit about him being my 4th grade teacher was mine

Wilfred Hamelin

Sent Flowers

Bob and Jan Neubauer

April 22, 2019

Melita and family.... I am so sorry to be hearing of John's passing. Please know that he will be in my prayers along with you. Jan and I send our sincere condolences. He was a great friend to all of our Fenndocks, a dedicated teacher and one true fisherman. We all will miss him.
Bob and Jan Neubauer
Naples, Florida

Linda Mihalisin

April 22, 2019

Mr. Bosnyak was my 5th grade teacher at Washington Street School. What a marvelous and caring teacher. I remember he bought the whole class pumpkins for Halloween and we carved them out which took about a half a day. Another time he took us to see Ben-Hur.Needless to say Mr. Bosnyak was truly my very favorite teacher. Someone I will always remember.

My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
May you rest in peace.

April 22, 2019

Dear Marc and Family, very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad.
May you find peace & comfort with embracing wonderful memories together of him. God bless you all during this time. My sincere condolences- xoxo Anne Camp-Boutin

Andrew Carrano

April 21, 2019

There are so few people you get to know in your life who have had a positive impact on you like John has had on me. He said very little, but when he did it was meaningful and of course hilarious. The Boz's legacy is not only his family, the Wallingford PPS Department, his humor, but also his character. A true gentleman with razor sharp wit. So few can shave down a phrase to its simplest and most poignant form. You were a better person by knowing John, and you usually got to know him well because you naturally gravitated his way. Everyone sought out a Boz one-liner, and you were never disappointed. We all have Boz stories to tell, and he will not be forgotten. Melita, my heart aches for you. Donna and I are praying for you and the family, who if it wasn't for John we would never have gotten to be a part of and share such wonderful times together.

ld ever have

April 21, 2019

Mr Bosnyak was my 4th grade teacher at Simpson School back in 1971 or 1972.He was told at the last minute he was going to teach. The first day of school, he didn't know what to do. We as kids had to tell him. He was the most pleasant teacher you could ever have.Mr B. smoking that pipe. One of his students used to hate the ties he used to wear, so we as a class used to scissor them in half. We kept his cut tie collection on the bulletin board as a memento of his class the entire school year! RIP to a great man!

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