Obituary: Harold Bossung
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May 6, 1932 – February 9, 2025
Harold Bossung, a long-time resident of Castle Peak Senior Life in Eagle, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, February 9, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 92.
Mr. Bossung was born in May, 1932 in Mount Vernon, NY, to Mabel (Springett) and John Bossung. He grew up in Mount Vernon with his older brother John and younger sister Claire. Their childhood was characterized by lots of sports (ping-pong, bocce, and handball) and family games. In his younger years he earned an eclectic collection of sports trophies, mostly for victories in squash and handball tournaments.
Harold also had a lifelong love of music. As a child he learned to play piano and was known as a fine dancer and singer. Even in his later years at Castle Peak he was a favorite contestant in talent shows, and was well-known for singing show tunes with staff and visitors alike.
Mr. Bossung graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1954. He went into the Air Force through the ROTC program, and his time in the service was a happy and formative life experience. He returned to Stevens for his Masters of Science in Engineering and then worked at AMF (American Machine and Foundry) in Cape Canaveral, Florida which later became the Kennedy Space Center.
He married Virginia Rogers in 1964 And they had two children, Seth and Julia Bossung. They moved to the Boston area where Harold began his 30 + year career as a mechanical engineer at Stone and Webster. Harold took great pride in his engineering work and specialized in power plant design.
In his retirement years, sought opportunities to learn new things and pursue new experiences. He could be found paddle boarding, windsurfing, taking classes on Mozart, or touring on bicycle through China. He loved to cross-country ski, go to the ballet, and play his hand-made harpsichord. Until he was 86, he square-danced every Thursday night, played pickleball on Tuesday, and sang in a barbershop quartet. On Wednesdays he was a loyal volunteer at St. Ann’s hospice in Weston, MA, where he took great pleasure in providing comfort and care to those in need. But of all things, his greatest pleasure was playing with and reading to his grandchildren. Well into his eighties he played sports in the yard with his grandchildren, always enthusiastic about a game of basketball or touch football.
Harold was known for his kindness, caring and dependability. In any situation he would treat others with respect and bring out a laugh with his good humor and charm. At family gatherings Harold always made his famous garlic mashed potatoes and was a vibrant participant in games and songs. He will be deeply missed for his dear heart and wonderful singing voice.
He is predeceased by his parents, his older brother John and his beloved son Seth, who lost his life in an avalanche in Silverton, CO in 2021.
He is survived by sister Claire Bossung (Nick) Dreessen, daughter Julia (Rob) Nordgren, daughter-in-law Cindy Tibble, and grandchildren Andrew and Benjamin Nordgren, and Faelyn and Lowa Bossung.
