Obituary of Michael A. Bogdan

FAIRLAWN -- Michael A. Bogdan, 86, died on May 20, 2011. Mike was born April 21, 1925 in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, a son of Michael and Anna Kocan Bogdan. He moved to Akron with the family at the age of one year old. Mike attended Kent State University and served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II as a waist gunner with the 388 Bomb Group onboard a B-17 aircraft. Mike had a life-long career as a salesman and manager at several car dealerships in Akron. Prior to his retirement from the automotive industry, he established and owned Bogdan Motors, a used car lot on East Market Street. Since his retirement, Mike has been an entrepreneur who selflessly helped many charities by donating sundry and emergency supplies and provided college scholarships to students in northeast Ohio. Also, he was a respected real estate landlord. Mike married Bettie Davis, his ``sweetheart,' in 1945 and was a devoted husband until Bettie passed away on September 23, 1992. Mike was also an active member of The Chapel in Akron for many years. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Antoinette Bogdan, Mary Bogdan Litwin, Violet Bodgan and Michaelene Bogdan Curren. Mike is survived by his brother Daniel; eight nieces and nephews: Dorothy, Nancy, Joyce, Judy, Robert, James, David and John.  Mike was probably best known for his infectious sense of humor and repertoire of practical jokes. His words were always positive. When asked how he was, Mike's standard response was, ``I'm fantastic, couldn't be better and I have no complaints!' Rejoice in Mike's homecoming and know that he dwells in the house of the Lord forever! Contributions in Mike's memory may be made to Evangel University, Student Scholarship Fund, 1111 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Mo. 65802.   Pastor Joseph Serbin will conduct service Monday, May 23 at 12 noon in the Ivy Chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery.