John "Red" Bousa

John J. "Red" Bousa, age 87, of Broadalbin passed away on Friday March 30, 2012 at his home. He was born on February 2, 1925 in Schenectady, NY the son of the late Joseph and Sadie Bousa. Red was a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Broadalbin. Red proudly served his Country from 1943 until 1946 in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy he was selected to perform underwater demolition which was precursor the Navy's elite SEAL's unit. Initially, Red was assigned to a LST - 40 that went throughout the pacific and would carry troops and equipment to combat zones. After two years on the LST - 40 Red was transferred to the U.S.S. Bush as a gunner. Red was on the U.S.S. Bush when it was attacked and sunk by Japanese Kamikaze aircraft on April 6, 1945. Red survived the attack and was rescued from the cold shark infested waters by the crew of the U.S.S. Henrico. Red retired as a manager from General Electric in Schenectady after 38 years of employment. Upon retiring from GE, Red worked for the Town of Broadalbin. Red was a member of the Robert Lee Walsh American Legion Post #0337 as well as the John A. Baird VFW Post #8690 in Broadalbin. He loved the Sacandaga Lake and enjoyed boating, fishing and the outdoors. He also enjoyed hunting in the southern tier of New York State. Red will be remembered for his outward demeanor and humor. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by a son, Jon D. Bousa of Albany, a nephew, Charles K. Bousa II Sandy and their children Charles III and Alicia, a niece, Linda Prokorym, two sisters in law: Isabelle Rocco and Alfreda Prokorym. Additional survivors include a loving friend, Eileen Stangle as well as several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, Red was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Pustolka Bousa and a son Donald Pustolka. A prayer service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 3, 2012 at the Jeffords & Stewart Funeral Home, 85 West Main Street, Broadalbin with the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Broadalbin officiating. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service. Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com