Obituary of Donald F. Bogardus Sr.

Donald Forrest Bogardus, Sr. 89 of Hackettstown, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday May 24, 2026 at Care One in Morristown, NJ, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on July 28, 1936, in Paterson, New Jersey, Don was the son of Herb Bogardus and Ethel Riker Bogardus.

Don was the beloved husband of Connie Bogardus and a devoted father to Donald F. Bogardus, Jr. and his wife Dina, and Heather Bogardus and Bill Seymour. He was a proud grandfather to Samantha Wright and her husband Christopher, Donald F. Bogardus III and his wife Rebecca, and Leah Bogardus. He was also the cherished great-grandfather of Hunter and Grayson Wright, and Audrey and Brooke Bogardus.

He was predeceased by his brother Rollins Bogardus and is survived by his brother James Bogardus and wife Lynette, as well as his sister- and brother-in-law Anita and Bill Karback.

A proud graduate of Boonton High School's Class of 1955, Don went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. He dedicated many years of service to the Hopatcong Police Department, retiring as a respected Police Captain after a career spanning from 1966 to 1992. He was also past Chief and lifetime member of the Hopatcong Fire Department. 

Don was an entrepreneur and hard worker who, alongside his brothers, founded Bogardus Bros. Trucking and Rigging and later Hopatcong Rigging. He had a lifelong love for trucks, often spending weekends restoring older models simply for the joy of it.

Above all, Don's greatest passion was boating. He began racing boats in the early 1960s and loved the thrill of speed on the water. Even after retiring from racing, he remained deeply involved in the boating community, lending his wisdom and experience as part of his neighborhood skiff race team's pit crew.

Don's Life Celebration will include visiting hours on Friday, May 29 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A Fireman's service will be offered during the visiting hours. The funeral home will open Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 AM. Military Honors and prayer service will be offered at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Firefighter's last call will immediately follow the funeral service at Northwood Engine Co. 2 in Hopatcong, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Don's memory to Northwood Engine Co. 2, PO Box 25, Glasser, NJ 07837.

Don will be remembered for his dedication to family, service to his community, hardworking spirit, and love of life on the water. He leaves behind many loving family members and friends who will miss him dearly.