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• KIA
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InfoSheet/Obit - David M. Bossary

Some of Dave's Memories
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Dave was one of our original Centaur Society Members and contributed greatly to our Legacy website.

David Michael Bossory “Dave” of Rochester Hills, MI, passed away on June 29, 2022. Dave resided in Michigan with his cherished wife Jenny of over 55 years. His life was a journey of love, service, gratitude and kindness. He was first and foremost a family man who touched the souls of everyone whose path crossed his.

Dave was born in Detroit on July 4, 1942 and was looking forward to celebrating his 80th birthday this year. His childhood was spent in Southfield, Michigan after which he and Jenny lived in various cities including Oak Park, Brighton and Rochester Hills. Dave obtained his private pilot license at age 16 and attributed his love of flying to his father who rebuilt airplanes and taught Dave the fundamentals of flying at an early age. Dave met Jenny in 1965 and they married in December of 1966. It was very clear to all who knew them that they shared a deep bond from the very beginning and were destined to enjoy a long and loving marriage.

In April of 1966, Dave was drafted into the United States Army and served his tour of duty in Vietnam. Dave received numerous commendations for his bravery and heroic efforts while serving with the 25th Division Centaurs D Troop (Air).
Using the GI Bill, Dave acquired his multi-engine rating, a significant accomplishment among private pilots. He attended Lawrence Technological University, which afforded him a long and successful career spanning over 40 years, primarily with Electro-Matic Ventures. His problem solving skills resulted in many innovative solutions and inventions and he was beloved by his co-workers and clients alike.

Dave was an accomplished sportsman throughout his life. He played hockey for the Junior Red Wings, stopping when his children were born, was an avid fisherman and participated in several golf leagues.

Dave and Jenny own a second home in Boyne City where they vacationed for decades giving Dave the opportunity to hone his fishing skills on Lake Charlevoix (although he never caught anything). They loved to tell the tale that when their children were young, Dave told them that the Boyne City fireworks on the Fourth of July each year were in honor of his birthday. It wasn't hard to believe given this special man that was their father.

Dave spent many years coaching and guiding his son Jeff and his grandson Grant during their hockey careers. He was so well known in the Metro Detroit hockey community that he was given the nickname Grandpa Dave by all of the hockey players, their parents and coaches. The hockey community will forever remember him as a coach, mentor, cheerleader, sounding board and grandpa. “Grandpa Dave, can you please help tie my skates” will echo through the locker rooms forever.
Dave and Jenny spent years traveling to near and distant locations to cheer and support their grandchildren at hockey and soccer games, tennis matches, band concerts and scouting activities.

Dave was a prolific reader of police and crime novels but he will be most remembered for his commitment to his family, for his unwavering drive to help others, getting involved and fixing situations whenever he could, for his generosity and caring nature, for his affectionate nicknames bestowed upon many who he loved so dearly, for his positive attitude towards life, for his stories that will “only take a minute” and for the wisdom he shared with us all. He accepted everyone who came into his life with open arms.

Our dad was the best…..

In honor of Dave, an open house will take place Sunday, August 7th from 1:00pm-5:00pm

The Kings Cove Clubhouse
1131 Brookside Court
Rochester Hills, MI 48306

Refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

www.modetzfuneralhomes.com

Dave's Memories

Dave was with Charlie Johnson when Mark Schmidt and crew were killed. Charlie was lead. Mark had no FM, so Mark went low and Charlie flew high bird with his FM. Dave did not see the crash (he was on the right side. Woody Gardner was CE and told him. "Little Joe"Dalcour had just left 433 as gunner and Dave had taken over. Gardner was filling in as CE. Dave and Schmidt played basketball two or three times a week. Often talked Fixed wing because of Dave's background and Schmidt wanting to get an aerobatic aircraft back in the states. Dave’s dad used to buy broken airplanes and fix up and sell. Had 15 at one time. Dave was going to go in for Warrant officer training. He went to Ft Polk for basic. Paperwork problems, plus just married. If single would have stayed. Ended up in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks.

Hog Lawn Mower LT Steve Sanford hits the rubber trees at night in fog. Story linked on his page. CPT Wilde had Dave write up the report.

TJ Lange - Stickem Up story where Lange and Pat Eastes were wounded. Bossary was gunner in 433 overhead.

SGT Chapman, Motor Sgt. Road to Saigon with him to get generator fixed. Very scary trip.

Joe "Little Joe" Dalcour was very proud to serve as a Centaur Crew Chief ( Hog 659433 ), Dave was his gunner from around May 67 - Nov / Dec 68. They had many of which you might call " adventures". He has thought of him countless times over the years. "Little Joe" will always have a special place in Dave's memories, as will all the other Centaurs he was fortunate enough to serve with!

Warrant Officer Larry Harlamert. Siren went off. No body showed up on flight line. Dave jumped in left seat and they took off. Flew down south of AO Erp, ARVN camp. On way back they shot up everything in AO Earp. Great fun. Harlamert may have gotten in trouble over that. Harlamert’s brother (Air Force) lost in Tialand mission.

Tom Fleming story: Dave never seemed to be available for awards formations. One night was told to report to MAJ Fleming. No one in office (1900 hrs). Dark. No light. He got up on the desk to change light bulb. Fleming, Rick Arthur, Charlie Johnson and Dalcour came in while he was standing on the desk. Fleming read award and presented it. CPT Johnson (black guy) had just rotated.

Dave's photo album:

#48 guy on bike was mess Sgt Thinks it was E7 Childs, Black Soldier.
#31 Jim Holland (CE 457)
#32 Duran (no record of Duran)