Family man, music educator

Tom Bogosian, a 55-year Claremont resident, died peacefully on March 31, 2018. He was 92 years old.

Born Hambarson Bogosian in 1925 to Bagrat and Elizabeth Bogosian in Dearborn, Michigan, he was a devoted family man who leaves behind two daughters, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. His beloved wife and partner of 68 years, Dorothy, predeceased him in 2016.

Music informed most of his interests and activities. Serving in the United States Army, Mr. Bogosian was a member of the 306 Army Services Band, playing the flute, and was a member of the Camp Lee Symphony Orchestra.

Benefiting from the GI Bill, he studied at the University of Michigan, from which he received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, and where he was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He remained a life-long learner, continuing to study under professional musicians until he was nearly 80.  

Mr. Bogosian began his career teaching music in Springfield, Missouri at Springfield Central High School. From there, he continued to teach in Kansas City at North Kansas City High School, finally settling in Claremont, where he taught music at Pomona’s Simons Junior High School and John Marshall Junior High School until he retired. In addition to 40 years of classroom teaching, he provided hundreds of students with private flute lessons over many decades.

While living in Springfield, he was a member of the Springfield Symphony and led a chamber music ensemble in Kansas City. In Claremont, Mr. Bogosian was an active member of the community. A life-long member of the Claremont Presbyterian Church, he served repeatedly as an Elder, a Deacon and a member of the church choir. He also served as the orchestra assistant for the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra, was active with Pilgrim Place and volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program.

In addition, for most of his Southern California years, he and Dorothy were season subscribers to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Tom was devoted to his family and friends. He was always a consummate gentleman and an excellent host who shared his love of well-prepared meals, delicious wine and great music with them.

Among those who will miss him most are his daughters Susan (Bogosian) and Laura (Michael Pincus), granddaughters Kym (Jon Iriart) and Melissa (Yanett Gibson-Enciso) and grandsons Andrew Pincus (Kate) and Jeremy Pincus (Ruthie). Great-grandchildren who will miss out on more time with their “Boppa” better include Jonah Mousis-Iriart, Jersey Iriart, Harlie Iriart, Nathaniel Gibson-Enciso and Joseph Gibson-Enciso. Tom’s siblings, who say they will miss his presence at their monthly lunch, include Harry Bogosian, Robert Bogosian, Agnes Bogosian and George Bogosian. 

The family would like to thank the professionals of the Claremont Manor and Barbara DeHaan for the care they provided Tom, as well as his great friends, Dave Northart and Sharron Bentley.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 6 at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Bogosian asked that donations be made to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance in Ann Arbor, Michigan.