Paul J Bocovich

Paul was born on November 21, 1944, in Colorado Springs, Colorado to the late Mary Jo (Dulapa) Bocovich and the late Joseph Bocovich. He graduated high school in 1962 from The Abbey School, a boys boarding school operated by the Benedictine Monks of the Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colorado. Paul was a member of the school’s Glee Club, sparking a lifelong love of all types of music.

Following graduation, Paul was offered the opportunity to be a Co-Op student – working at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico while attending New Mexico State University. This began his 37 year career working for the federal government.

After graduating in 1968 from New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Paul accepted a position as a Junior Professional at the Pacific Missile Range at Pt. Mugu. Paul worked for ten years in the Design and Fabrication Department on various projects supporting the missile range.

On April 19, 1975, Paul married Nancy Hamilton and together they returned to NMSU in Las Cruces, N.M. where Paul earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Returning to Ventura in 1976, Paul resumed work at Pt. Mugu where he later joined the "targets team" at the Threat Simulation Department where he served in every division including Electronic Warfare and Seaborne. In 1985, Paul attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey for advanced studies in Electro Optics, Lasers and Electromagnetics. Paul returned once again to work at Pt. Mugu, retiring after 37 years in 2000.

Paul’s love of golf began in 1957 when he caddied at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. His job as a caddy ended with high school graduation, but his love for the game continued for a lifetime. His enjoyment of golf must have been genetic, because it would be hard to say which of the Boco Brothers enjoyed golf the most – each coveting the Family Golf Trophy. In the past few years when illness prevented him from playing the game, Paul still enjoyed participating in the 19th hole recaps of his fellow R&A golfers.

He attended Sacred Heart Church and was affiliated with Sigma XI, a scientific research society; IEEE, (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); Las Padres Ski Club; Porsche Club of America-Santa Barbara Region; Tri-Counties Sports Car Club; Pt. Mugu Twilight Golf League, secretary/treasurer of the River Ridge Senior Men’s Golf Club; the R & A Golf Association. Paul was a bowler for many years; had fun crewing on Stan’s boat and was locally famous for Boco’s Tacos and stuffed jalapenos. Most recently, he enjoyed playing bridge on Wednesday afternoons with a new group of friends.

The family would like to thank Buena Vista Hospice for their compassionate and caring assistance given to Paul for the two weeks he was in their care. A special thanks to Orlando for the care he gave not only to Paul, but to the whole family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank Bocovich and Ed Bocovich; brothers-in-laws, George Salamon and Paul Hamilton; sister-in-law, Karla Hamilton and Pat Bocovich; and nephews, Chad Hamilton and Thomas Salamon.

Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hamilton) Bocovich of Ventura; sister, Barbara Salamon of Manitou Springs, Colo.; daughter, Lisa and her husband Scott HerrNeckar of Austin, TX; grandsons, Travis and Kyle HerrNeckar of Austin, TX; mother-in-law, Helen Floyd of Ventura; brother-in-law, Jerry and wife Colleen Hamilton of Sioux City, Iowa; Bill and wife Karen Hamilton of Casitas Springs, CA; and sister-in-law, Betty Bocovich of Wichita, Kansas.

Also surviving are nieces, Anne and Chuck Howard of Arvada, Colo.; Carol Ann and David Cise of Utah; Carol Salamon of Manitou Springs, Colo.; Denise Hamilton and Mike Goth of Camarillo, CA; Karen Hamilton and Mark Neamtu of Long Beach, CA.; Marija Vader of Colorado Springs, Colo.; nephews, Clint Hamilton of Regalia, CA; Loren Hamilton of Casitas Springs, CA; Mark and Linda Bocovich of Leon, Kansas; Martin and Melissa Bocovich of Monument, Colo.; Michael Bocovich of Wichita, Kansas; Mike and Joanne Bocovich of Andover, Minn.; great-nieces Christine and Don Billings, Carolyne Bocovich, Cecylia Bocovich, Rachel Howard; great-nephews Brendan Bocovich, Logan Bocovich, Nicholas Bocovich, Ryan Howard, Thomas Salamon; two great-great nieces and two great-great nephews.

Because of Paul’s soft spot for stray animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Ventura County, P.O. Box 297 Ojai, CA 93024.

Services will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road in Ventura on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.