Paul E. "Fritz" Bugas Sr.

Paul E. "Fritz" Bugas Sr. obituary, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Paul E. "Fritz" Bugas Sr.

Paul Bugas Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wallace & Wallace Inc Funeral Chapels & Crematory - White Sulphur Springs on Jul. 6, 2025.

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The incessant winds of Wyoming calmed for a moment on July 1, 2025 to allow the soul of Paul E. "Fritz" Bugas, Sr. to pass unencumbered into everlasting life. Fritz's humble roots began on May 5, 1929 in the Red Desert town of Wamsutter, Wyoming. He grew up in his parents' hotel along the Union Pacific Railroad, the youngest of eight brothers and two sisters. His youth was peppered with memories of hardship during the Great Depression, but as he often said, "I never wanted for anything." Fritz lost his mother at a young age, but a loving sister, Helen Patricia Bugas, stepped in and made sure he was cared for and properly educated while his father ran the hotel and other businesses. He graduated from high school in Laramie and attended the University of Wyoming for one year. He completed his bachelors degree at Regis College in Denver, Colorado in 1951.
During his Regis years he met and married the love of his life, Rosemary E. McDonough. He entered into the army shortly after college and spent the next 20 years moving around southern U.S. bases and fulfilling two overseas assignments in Panama and Thailand. Before retiring from the armed forces, he served with distinction in the Vietnam War. He was in-country during the Tet Offensive and received The Legion of Merit for his valor in combat.
In 1971, Fritz became director of Project Greek Island at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, WV, managing its subterranean Congressional fallout structure known as The Bunker. Fritz, his staff, hotel employees, and the community kept the bunker secret until it was made public by the Washington Post in 1992. The Greenbrier Hotel decided that The Bunker best served the hotel and the public by opening it as a museum in 1995, as a stark reminder of the Cold War. He raised his family in White Sulphur Springs and considered it to be the best assignment of his life. After two long careers of 40 years, he retired in 2006 when he and Rosemary began his next tour of duty: becoming a proud patriarch to twenty-one grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Fritz loved the White Sulphur Springs community and showed his appreciation by working with local officials to build a town library. Completed in 1987, he served several terms as President of the Board of Trustees. He coached sports teams and attended untold school events with Rosemary. He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, was a consummate family man, and an American patriot in the truest sense. In his leisure time, any golf course called his name. His creative betting schemes, endless stories, and quirky drives made him a welcome partner in any foursome.
Fritz was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Rosemary. He remained close to his older brother, Theodore, until his death in 2022. He is survived by his children Nancy (Peter) DelPresto, Paul, Jr. (Ruth), Dan (Tracy), Tim (Teresa), Suzanne, Pete (Tami), and Gerry (Rebecca), and son-in-law Larry Malecky.
His grandchildren are: Paul Del Presto, Maggie Del Presto Robins, Jeffrey Del Presto, Ryan P. Bugas, Caitlin Bugas, Michael Bugas, Abigail Bugas Boysen, Joseph Russell Bugas, T. Ryan Bugas Jr., Matthew Bugas, Sean Bugas, Alexandra Malecky Cenname, Laura Malecky, Daniel Malecky, Taylor Bugas Calhoun, Thomas Bugas-McWeeney, Andrew Bugas, Zachary Bugas, Tatum Bugas, Addison Bugas, and Owen Bugas. Great-grandchildren are: Luca Del Presto, Callen Del Presto, Samuel Robins, Greer Robins, Theodore Del Presto, Landon Bugas, Wyatt Bugas, Clark Bugas, Mary Bugas, Joseph Paul Bugas, Dominic Cenname, and Viviana Cenname.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the White Sulphur Springs Public Library, 344 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 or to Wellspring of Greenbrier County, www.wellspringofgreenbrier.org
Arrangements are entrusted to Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home, 175 Mountain Avenue, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.
A community service will be held at the Greenbrier Hotel Chapel in White Sulphur Springs, WV on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11 am EST. Interment will occur at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
The family would like to acknowledge Fritz's primary caregivers these past two years: Olinda, Karen, and Monica. To these hard-working, caring women, we thank you immensely.
We also indebted to the dedicated therapists, nurses, doctors and staff at Sheltering Arms, Beth Shalom, The Westmont at Short Pump, and St. Mary's Hospital,all of Richmond, VA, for their care of Fritz during his final years.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul E., please visit our floral store.

Sign Paul Bugas's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 10, 2025

Mike Noble posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Sue Rowe posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Claudia & David Van Hook posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Mike Noble

July 10, 2025

What a full life lived!
And to have such a large and great family to have shared his life with.
He will be greatly missed, but he leaves so many fond memories to support all as they move forward.

Sue Rowe

July 8, 2025

My dear Tim, Teresa and all of the Bugas family. So hard to express how we feel when our loved ones must leave us and we know that our sweet Fritz is in the arms of God who made him and we thank God that he loaned Fritz to us for a little while. May he rest in peace with his dear Rosemary. I embrace you with my love and prayers, Aunt Sue

Claudia & David Van Hook

July 8, 2025

Dear Bugas family, we know that you will all miss your wonderful father, as you do your mother, but we´re confident Fritz (& Rose) will live on in all of you. David and I enjoyed the visits we got to spend with him at Tim & Teresa´s as he was always fun,entertaining and kind. What a life he lived!! Our prayer is for you to find peace in his passing, knowing one day you will all be together again in God´s Kingdom in Heaven. Hugs to you all.

Patsy Bergquist

July 7, 2025

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Patsy and Steve Bergquist

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Sign Paul Bugas's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 10, 2025

Mike Noble posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Sue Rowe posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Claudia & David Van Hook posted to the memorial.