Joseph Robert Bosnich

Joseph Robert Bosnich passed away on January 6, 2023, at the age of ninety. Born April 18, 1932 in San Pedro, CA to George and Mary Bosnich, he grew up playing football, starting at the Boys Club in 1946 and continuing thru high school, earning a 4-year full college scholarship. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he was a 4-year varsity letterman athlete and a 3-year starting offensive guard and defensive nose tackle and linebacker. Joe was a proud member of the championship team in 1952 and undefeated championship team in 1953. With pro football offers from 3 teams, he made the decision instead to earn his master’s degree in education, graduating in 1956. While attending Cal Poly he met and married his loving wife of 66 years Nancy Bosnich, settling in San Pedro. Joe is survived by his wife Nancy, their three children, Joseph (Stephanie) Bosnich, Julie (Karl) Heberer, Jim Bosnich and grandchildren Nikki-Lynne and Matthew Bosnich, and Aubry Heberer, sister-in-law Jamie May, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is recently predeceased by his older brother, George Bosnich, Jr. as well as George’s wife Josephine.

Joe served 6 years in the Naval reserves and 2 years in the Army, being honorably discharged in 1958. He went on to teach P.E. at Wilmington Jr. High for 35 years, retiring in 1993. Always physically fit, he continued his daily workouts at the gym and recently at home on his stationary bike, riding many miles per day to stay as strong and independent as possible. He enjoyed playing golf and visits to the firing range for many years during his retirement.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 9:00 am in Green Hills Chapel, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Graveside services will follow immediately after. The family asks in lieu of flowers to please consider making a donation to Caring House in memory of Joseph Bosnich at yourcaringhouse.org/contribute or by mail to 2842 El Dorado Street, Torrance, CA 90503.