HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — Donald Forrest Bogardus Sr., a former Hopatcong police captain, longtime firefighter and business owner known for his dedication to public service and boating community involvement, died Sunday, May 24, 2026. He was 89.
Bogardus, of Hackettstown, died at Care One in Morristown, surrounded by family, according to his obituary.
Born July 28, 1936, in Paterson, Bogardus graduated from Boonton High School in 1955 before serving in the United States Army with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.
He later joined the Hopatcong Police Department, where he served from 1966 until his retirement in 1992 as a police captain. He was also a past chief and lifetime member of the Hopatcong Fire Department.
Outside of public service, Bogardus co-founded Bogardus Bros. Trucking and Rigging with his brothers before later helping establish Hopatcong Rigging. Family members said he had a lifelong passion for trucks and often spent weekends restoring older models.
Bogardus was also well known in New Jersey’s boating community. He began racing boats during the 1960s and remained active in local skiff racing long after retiring from competition, serving as part of his neighborhood team’s pit crew.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Bogardus; his children, Donald F. Bogardus Jr. and Heather Bogardus; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several extended family members.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home in Landing. A firefighter’s service will be held during visitation hours.
Military honors and a prayer service are scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a firefighter’s last call at Northwood Engine Co. 2 in Hopatcong.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made in Bogardus’ memory to Northwood Engine Co. 2 in Glasser.
