Rev. Dr. John L. Bogart

John Lawrence Bogart On Thursday, April 9, 2015, The Rev. Dr. John L. Bogart died peacefully after a long illness. He was a dedicated priest who served his church and parishioners for 60 years, known for his compassion, kindness and great intellect. Rev. Dr. Bogart was a member of the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and was an Associate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Benicia. Rev. Bogart was the Diocesan Historian as well as a Canon of the Diocese, an honorary title given to those priests who have played an important role in the wider life of the diocese, awarded in recognition of long and dedicated service to the church. John Bogart was born in Torrance, California, on August 18, 1929 to Wayne and Merle Bogart. He and his older brother, Wayne, attended the local high school and enjoyed participating in school activities and athletics. He was active in his local parish as a young boy and determined very early that he wanted to be a priest. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1951, after which he entered the Berkeley School of Divinity at Yale University, where he received his Masters of Divinity in 1954. After ordination, he began his long career as a parish priest. His first parish was All Saints Episcopal Church in San Diego. In the following years, he served as Rector at St. Andrew’s, Encinitas, Grace Episcopal in St. Helena, Holy Trinity in Ukiah and St. Patrick’s in Kenwood, from which he retired in 1991. Retirement for Father John did not mean the end of his ministry, for he said, “Once a priest; always a priest!” He joined the staff of St. Paul’s, Benicia in 1991 and was active in the services and life of the church until his death this week. In addition to his parish work, Father John also served as an assistant to Bishop Clarence Hayden, and as Coordinator of Continuing Education at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley. John received this Doctorate in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in 1973. His area of expertise was the writing of John, the Gospel and Revelation. His immense knowledge of this subject, and other historical and theological areas, was of great benefit to the people of St. Paul’s, who enjoyed his adult programs on a variety of topics. He was a musician who loved all kinds of music, particularly the classics, and he and his wife, Mary Lou, were long-time patrons of the Vallejo and San Francisco symphonies. He was active in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Paul’s, supervised and led Morning Prayer, and presented many of the adult education programs there. John was married to Mary Lou Rapoza in 1953 and they had celebrated 60 years of marriage last year. Mary Lou was a kindergarten and first grade teacher, and John volunteered regularly in her classroom. He enjoyed working with the small children and said that they often had more wisdom than the adults with whom he shared his ministry. John and Mary Lou have two children, Anne Bogart Webb of London, and Christopher John of Vallejo. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Bogart of Ukiah, as well as several nieces and nephews. Rev. John Bogart was a wonderful example of what a priest should be. All who knew him appreciated his compassion, openhearted persona and sense of humor. He was a deeply spiritual man whose faith was constantly illustrated by his work and interaction with all kinds of people. John was always ready for a good discussion and loved sharing the books and films he enjoyed. His ministry included serving in a variety of positions, with a variety of parishioners and associates. He loved his family, his church and his friends, all of who join in wishing him “God speed,” on this last, important journey. Services for the Rev. Dr. John Bogart will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 120 East J Street in Benicia on Friday, April 24th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund.

Rev. Dr. John L. Bogart

August 18, 1929 - April 9, 2015