Ronald J. Bostak

Ronald J. Bostak of Annandale, Virginia, passed away on May 8, 2024 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Ron was born on June 6, 1938 in McKeesport, PA, the son of Frank Bostak and Anne (Valenta) Bostak. Early on, Ron displayed a strong ethic of hard work, independence, and self-reliance, as he worked after school cleaning at a women’s clothing shop and other odd jobs to help support his family after his father’s passing when Ron was 14. Ron put himself through college playing the string bass at weddings and events. In 1960, he received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University. He worked briefly for Pennsylvania Power and Light in Allentown, PA, where he met the love of his life, Catherine Michler. Shortly after meeting Cathy, Ron was drafted by the US Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served for two years at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He and Cathy married on September 29, 1962 and settled in Annandale, Virginia, where they raised their two sons. Ron was very proud of his work for the US Department of Defense, directing a large department of engineers and scientists responsible for protecting our country. As the Cold War was ending, Ron retired. He enjoyed fishing at Kerr Reservoir in southern Virginia, attending University of Virginia football games, and musical performances, especially those of the US military bands. He was an excellent cook, known for his pies and pot roast. Ron was very handy and could fix anything. He frequently visited his children and their families in California and Colorado, building a playhouse and swing set for his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Cathy, sons Jeff and Chris Bostak, their spouses Julia Hutchinson and Debbie Bostak, and three grandchildren, Sam, Max, and Renée. Ron will be remembered at a private family memorial to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to High Plains Honor Flight online at https://highplainshonorflight.org/component/jdonation/in-honor-memory-of or checks can be mailed to High Plains Honor Flight, PO Box 363 Ault, CO 80610.