Colonel G. Steven Bosan

Colonel G. Steven Bosan, US Army, Retired, 101, of Mechanicsburg died Friday, November 3, 2023 at home surrounded by family.

Steve was born April 21, 1922 in Newark, NJ to the late William and Sophie (Tsocic) Bosan.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Louise (Lusk) Bosan, and older brother Robert Bosan.  He is survived by his son Steven Bosan (Merrie Lee Price) of Mechanicsburg and his companion Martha “Marti “ Keifer of Camp Hill.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  He was studying to become a Forest Ranger at Utah State College in 1942 when he enlisted and was sent to Officer Candidate School.   He became an officer in a Combat Engineer Battalion  which participated in the crossing of the Rhine River as part of Patton’s Third Army.

Steve spent the post-war years as a draftsman for a fire suppression system company in Florida where he met his wife of fifty years, Louise.

In 1950 the outbreak of the Korean War resulted in his return to active duty and flight school. Learning to fly both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters he commanded a light aviation detachment in Korea.

Assignments in Arizona, North Dakota, Kansas, Alaska and Virginia were followed by commanding the 26th Aviation Company in Verdun, France where his son Steven was born.

Returning stateside he worked in the Pentagon until he was assigned to command the 14th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam. In terms of manpower, the 14th was the largest battalion in Vietnam.  He was present for the Tet Offensive, which he described as the closest he ever came to becoming a casualty.

After another stint at the Pentagon and Fort Eustis, Virginia he reported to the New Cumberland Army Depot as Director of Maintenance for the Chinook Helicopter overhaul program.  He retired with 34 years service as a Colonel in 1976.

In 1979 he started working for the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania as Director of Facilities Management for 17 years.

He was eternally devoted to his family and tirelessly attended to his wife as she fought with cancer for her last years.

He traveled extensively whenever possible and visited all 50 States and 28 countries, the last 20 years accompanied by his dear friend and companion Marti Keifer.

He was a Life Member of the Army Aviation Association of America for over 60 years.  He was also a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot’s Association and attended many conventions.

Steve met many historical figures including Jackie Kennedy, Adlai Stevenson, Prince Phillip of England, General George Patton and even danced with Olivia de Havilland at the Hollywood Canteen during World War II.

He became active in attending World War II re-enactments, reunions and gave many interviews on his experiences in the army.

His family, friends and country were always foremost in his thoughts and deeds. He strove to do good for everyone he knew.

Visitation will be from 10 am until memorial services at 11am Friday, November 17th at Parthemore Funeral Home, New Cumberland.  Internment will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 897, Hershey, PA. 17033, www.cancer.org.