BOSTARDI, Joe November 9, 1931-December 4, 2013 Joe Bostardi died peacefully at home on December 4, 2013. He was an employee of the Fulton County School System since 1961. Joe started as a teacher at College Park High School. He was then a counselor, principal and Director of Secondary Personnel for Fulton County Schools. Joe believed that teaching is a calling. After his retirement Joe was an active substitute teacher in the North Fulton area. Northwestern Middle School was his favorite and his students knew him as "Mr. B", who threw them "ranch jollies". A native of Warren, Ohio, Joe graduated from George Peabody College with a Master's degree. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Angelyn. They have two sons, Tony Bostardi and his wife, Jan and Michael Bostardi and his wife, Julie. Tony is a teacher and coach at Roswell High School. Michael is a Technology Specialist at Cambridge High School. Joe and Angie have five grandchildren: Brittany, Hannah, Greg, Chris and Samantha. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Don Munn will officiate. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family request that donations be made in Joe's memory to the Restoration Church of God, 410 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009 or Gentiva Hospice, attn: Vicki Ellis, 3101 Towercreek Parkway, SE, Ste. 225, Atlanta, GA 30339. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Rd., Roswell, 770-645-1414.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 6, 2013.
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Chip McInnis (1966)
Jpe Bostardi helped me thru some tough times in my life and he was a great teacher and advisor. I will always remember him! RIP Joe.
Chip McInnis
Pat Lee (Barrineau) (1963)
Always a co-favorite teacher with Lillie B.Hamilton. My love of history and all things Italian came from these two fabulous people. He was one of the most personable souls that I have ever met. Rest in peace , dear man.
Pat Lee Barrineau
Isle of Palms, SC
Robert (Bob) Rogers (1966)
I was in Mr. Bostardi's 9th grade history class and I had to do a stand-up talk on Adolphus, the Swedish king. Mr. Bostardi got a chuckle when I got mixed up and called the king Adultry. But he corrected me - he was an adulterer!
Joseph Henry Farquharson (1964)
It hurts to know that this great man is no longer with us. He was one of my all-time favorite teachers. I've thought of him often since leaving high school some 49 years ago. I loved being in his class. I appreciated his passion, sense of humor, concern for his students, and the fact that he brought out the best in those of us who were privileged to be under his tutelage. I have to say he was a blessing to me. I pray for his surviving family members as they adjust to life without him. Fairwell Mr. B.
Margie Hendry (Avery) (1964)
Norm Barchi (former CPHS teacher, asst. principal, & then later principal) was a very close friend to Mr. B & was the first person to sign the guest book at visitation yesterday. Mike, Peggy, & I attended his funeral today along with former teachers, Bill Kimes & Billy Jones. The chapel was full. The service was absolutely the best tribute to anyone that I have ever witnessed. My wish was that those who knew him & loved him could have been there today to get a full understanding of his entire life. Mr. B was only sick for 4 or 5 weeks after a somewhat minor surgical procedure. His son, Tony (who looks exactly like his Dad) had planned to accompany Mr. B to the multi-year class reunion last September, but Tony was unable on that day & Mr. B decided not to go alone. Mr. B was very proud of his Italian heritage; he had a great sense of humor; always faithful; the upmost integrity; a real “people person” to everyone regardless of their age, status, or color (as demonstrated when he lead the way during CPHS integration); a wonderful counselor to all , including superiors who often asked for his guidance….many,many lives are richer because of this dear man.
Mary Jo Hall (West) (1966)
It was early Septmeber, 1961. I'll never forget the first day of high school and feeling both excited AND terrified. However, my 8th grade history teacher, Mr. Bostardi... did his best to calm our fears and make us lowly sub-freshman feel important. Whenever you were in his presence, he made you feel special and that somebody cared. I have missed him so much over the years and have to live with the fact that I never let him know how much he meant to me. I guess what I have learned from his passing...if someone made a difference in your life...let them know! NOW. Mr. Bostardi was so funny and I know many reading this will remember some of his sayings...like our late Mrs. Taylor! "Mr. B" moved up the ladder in the Fulton County School System and he deserved it. He was one TERRIFIC teacher and taught us so much more than history. I'll never forget the look on his face when his first child, Tony...was born. How blessed all of us were to have such incredible teachers during our years at College Park High School. I love you Mr. B.
Catherine Rebecca Nichols (Rush) (1973)
Mr. "B" was principal during my years at CPHS. During the summer between my 8th and 9th grade years we moved out of the College Park school district but my Grandmother lived just a half block from the school so I started using her address. When he discovered this he called my mother in to discuss the issue and she explained that I wanted to keep going to school with my friends from SR Young. He said he'd look the other way and let me continue going to school. He didn't have to do that but he was such a kind man and understood my feelings. Imagine that happening in todays school system.
Rest in peace Mr. "B". You could teach others about being a caring person.
Becky Nichols Rush
Charles (Tony) Perkins (1965)
Mr. Bostardi was a good man and a good teacher, he helped me get my first real job, The old First Nat. Bank of Atlanta at five points. I worked with Mr. Bostardi(Joe) there far a while before I got drafted. He worked there part time for a while, he was as fun at work as he was at school. He was one of my favorite teachers and considered him a friend. He use to give pop test and would put something on his desk to indicate one was coming that day. I know this is a little late but may God bless his soul and his family.
C. Perkins(Tony) class of 65