George Bogese Jr.

George James Bogese Jr. of Colonial Heights passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the age of 90. George was born in Hopewell to George and Mary Bogese in 1924. He was preceded in death by his wife of many years, Elsie Layne Bogese, and by his deceased brothers, Michael J. Bogese, Stephen Bogese and Carl Bogese. He went to Hopewell High School and played football for the Hopewell Blue Devils. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in the ROTC program. He entered World War II, saw tours at Pearl Harbor and Saipan. George was awarded the Bronze Star for his courageous service during World War II. Using his Business Degree from Virginia Tech he entered the Real Estate business as a General Building Contractor and Land Developer of Ramblewood Subdivision. George received recognition in the 1990's of the "Who's Who in America." He built over 1500 homes in the tri-city areas as well as homes in Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Blackstone, and Urbana. Later George entered the restaurant business as owner of the poplar Pizza Kitchen Restaurant in Petersburg. He became a strong supporter of Richard Bland College, contributing to scholarships for students every year. George was a very active member of St. Ann Catholic Church. He also served as Past President of the Southside Home Builders, member of the Colonial Heights American Legion Post #284, and the Petersburg Elks #237. George also loved and contributed frequently to Colonial Heights Animal Shelter and the Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He will always be remembered for his kindness, warmth and standing on the side of what was right, true and good. He always included Mary Mother of God in his prayers every night. He will be greatly missed by many in the Colonial Heights community and his family. Survivors include his children, Debo Ramsden and husband, Clint of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, George James Bogese III and wife, Becky of Spring Grove, Kenneth B. Bogese of Petersburg, and Bruce Bogese and wife, Sallie of Farmville; seven grandchildren, Clint Ramsden III, Cameron Ramsden May, Joshua Brent Bogese, Travis Clark Bogese, West Bogese, Lauren Bogese Finn, and Stirling Moore; and a sister, Vondra Weeks of Orlando. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with Fr. Lou Ruoff, Celebrant. Committal Service with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church Family Assistance Program. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.