Waltham/Charlton: John Michael Bogdan ("Heehop") of Waltham and Baker Pond, Charlton, passed away from aggressive melanoma on Wednesday, July 2nd.

He is sorely grieved by colleagues, friends, and family, including his son John Michael Bogdan, Jr. of Waltham; his daughter Kelly and her husband Matthew Kelly and sons Jackson, Chase, and Weston of Darien, CT; his sister and brother Kathy Bogdan Price and Daniel Bogdan of Ardsley, PA; and his long-time life partner Susan Cutright of Waltham and Baker Pond.

Heehop loved God, his family, our country, and his community. He was an astute finance executive who held multiple chief financial officer positions in his career and built many successful organizations.  He had learned several trades early in life to achieve his dream to graduate from Pennsylvania State University. He always respected skilled craftsmen and an honest day's work, and never forgot where he came from.

Heehop was proud to earn his pilot's license and be able to travel with his family, always greeting them with a thumbs up "Pilots Forever". He was a natural athlete who played and coached in several sports, and fondly recounted as a high school pitcher putting two strikes past Reggie Jackson.  (Mr. Jackson hit the third pitch so far out of the field that they had to tell the outfielders to quit looking for the ball.)

To know Heehop was to know a fine, fine man with a huge heart, keen intelligence, mischievous wit, and passionate loyalty to Penn State.  WE ARE!!!

Heehop will be interred privately at West Ridge Cemetery in Charlton, and there will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers or other condolences, the family asks that you consider a donation in honor of Heehop to the First Lutheran Church of Waltham, 6 Eddy Street, Waltham, MA, 02453 First Lutheran Church of Waltham .

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is assisting the family with arrangements.