Robert Harold "Bob" Bogardus

Robert "Bob" Harold Bogardus, 61, of Holly Springs, North Carolina passed away on December 13, 2022, after battling an aggressive brain cancer for several years. He was born on August 3, 1961, raised in Morristown, NY and is predeceased by his parents James H. Bogardus Jr. and Ruth W. Bogardus, brother Bill Bogardus, and nephew Bryan Bogardus. He is survived by his wife Helga Bodnar Bogardus; daughters Elizabeth Bogardus (Chris Stevens), Sarah Bogardus Haynes (David Haynes), Abigail Bogardus Hart (Jordan Hart), and son Christopher Bogardus; grandchildren Daniel Robert Haynes, Cobalt Stevens, Anna Haynes, and Jesse Hart; brothers James "Jim" Bogardus (Penny Bogardus) and John Bogardus (Fran Bogardus), and sister Ann Fenlong (Dave Fenlong), and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was born and raised in the small township of Morristown in upstate New York on the St. Lawrence River. Bob's family was integrally involved in the proceedings of the town via the local Fire Department, and the annual 4th of July celebration was (and still is) a cherished reunion that Bob enjoyed throughout his life. Bob attended Morristown Central School and shared stories with his children about his adventures with Boy Scouts and playing street hockey in the center of town during his formative years. His love of music also blossomed during his time in Morristown as he learned to play the saxophone and enjoyed serving as a disc jockey for high school events.

Bob received his Bachelor of Art in Computer Science from SUNY Potsdam and made lifelong friends. Dave Jackino, his closest friend from his Potsdam days, has made a habit of entertaining the family with stories from their college years with the most memorable moments involving the beginnings of his relationship with Helga, a young music major who would pass by his dorm room during the colder New York winter days. It didn't take long before he asked for Helga's hand in marriage and the two were married in the summer of 1985. They began their life together in Seneca Falls, New York as Bob moved into the field of IT, to which he remained a steadfast and dedicated employee throughout his life.

Bob's legacy is rooted heavily in his dedication to his family. He thoroughly enjoyed being a "girl's dad" to Elizabeth, Sarah, and Abigail. During their time in Seneca Falls and later Penfield, New York, Bob would happily support the girls in their interests and would spend countless hours watching dance recitals and fashion shows in the living room. Bob was a steadfast provider and protector to his girls and when he found employment in North Carolina that showed promise, the family moved to Holly Springs, North Carolina, where Bob and Helga remained for the rest of his life. In 2001, Bob happily expanded his title to "boy's dad" with the birth of his son, Christopher. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love of scouting with Christopher and served as a scout leader during Christopher's childhood. Bob also contributed to Christopher's high school marching band by working as part of the pit crew and helping fundraise by serving Dippin Dots at Carolina Hurricanes games, his favorite team. For each of his children, he found a way to contribute to their interests by devoting his time and talents to "behind the scenes" roles.

In fact, this is how Bob lived his whole life: in "behind the scenes" service to others. He was a deeply faithful man and showed God's love to others by quietly and humbly providing aid to those in need. He was an active member in the congregations of Penfield United Methodist Church, Saint Francis United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church of Fuquay-Varina, and most recently Genesis United Methodist Church. He would step into any role, no matter how small or thankless, if he saw a need. As Helga was the choir director at each of these churches, Bob always held down the bass section of the church choir. He also worked the sound board for years at First UMC and served as a Sunday School teacher at Saint Francis UMC and First UMC. If there was an opportunity to serve others through volunteer projects, Bob was ready and willing.

Bob was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2020, but as a reserved and selfless man, he preferred that the focus of his life remained on continuing to contribute to the field of IT through his job, serving in the congregation of Genesis UMC, and, most importantly, spending precious moments with his family. Between March 2020 and his passing, he welcomed all four of his current grandchildren into the world and quickly became known as "Grandpa Bob" or "G-Bob". On the day of his passing, Bob was surrounded by his four children and wife as they shared their favorite memories of Bob to ease his passing.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the nursing and therapeutic staff at Pruitt Health and Hospice of Raleigh and the neurological team of Dr. Rauf at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2pm at Genesis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina with Rev. Craig Ham and Rev. Anne Ahl officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. If friends desire, contributions can be made to Boy Scouts of America, Music Ministry of Genesis UMC, or Music Ministry of First UMC Fuquay Varina.