John Bongiani, 88

John Bongiani, 88, passed away on May 6, 2015, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. 

John was born in Laurel on Feb. 26, 1927. He was the sixth of nine children born to Primo and Lucy Bongiani. He grew up near Park City, where he worked hard on the family farm as well as for neighbors. He attended a country grade school and then went on to graduate from Park City High School in 1944.

After graduating high school, John joined the U.S. Navy, serving at the U.S. Navy Ammunition Depot in Nevada. After an honorable discharge in 1946, John worked for several years at lumber mills by Seeley Lake and near Lincoln. He also spent time working for the Northern Pacific Railroad. 

John married Alice Caricaburu on Oct. 2, 1954, in Glasgow. He and Alice were married for 57 years. 

John joined the Billings Fire Department in 1955. He served on the fire department for 26 years, retiring as captain in 1981. He was drawn to the career by his desire to serve the community in a meaningful way. He was always eager to host the school children who visited the fire station. One of his favorite charity events was the Toys for Tots drive held annually by the firefighters. 

John enjoyed the camaraderie on the fire department, spending much of his off-work time hunting and fishing with his fellow firefighters and other friends. He was also an avid reader of history and biographies. With a naturally curious mind, he was one of those few individuals who could complete the Sunday crossword puzzle in the New York Times. 

John and Alice moved to Bigfork in 1986 to spend their retirement years. After vacationing in the Flathead Valley for many years, they decided to make Bigfork their home, where they enjoyed the mountains and natural beauty of the area. 

John was devout in his faith, serving alongside his wife at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. Even in his later years, John served regularly as an usher at Saturday Mass. 

John was a master at carpentry and do-it-yourself projects. In his patient way, he spent many hours helping friends and neighbors with a variety of construction projects. He also enjoyed gardening and working outdoors.   He was still mowing his own lawn and shoveling snow when he was in his late 80s. 

John and Alice also enjoyed traveling together. They toured much of the U.S., Western Canada and Europe. They especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. 

John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he will be missed by all who knew him. 

John is survived by his son Perry Bongiani, daughter-in-law Ann Bongiani, and grandchildren, Tyler and Lauren Bongiani, all in the Seattle area. He’s also survived by two sisters, Jean Watson and Alma Hedges, both in Laurel; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; his parents; his brothers, Paul, Tony and Leo; and his sisters, Erma Boyce, Prina Carlson and Mary Mogan. 

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 15, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. 

Memorials can be made to the church at P.O. Box 277, Bigfork, MT 59911. 

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.