Michael A. Bocija, age 38, of Waterford, died Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh after suffering a heart attack on Sunday evening. Born in Canton, OH on March 18, 1976, he was a son of the late Manuel and Velma Dowdle Bocija.
Mike was employed for the last ten years at Humes Auto Dealership in Waterford. He enjoyed hunting, riding his 4-wheeler and Can Am, racing stock cars, and playing pool and bowling. He belonged to the American Legion Post 285, the ATV Club in Venango, and he worked as security at Lakeside Tavern in Waterford.
Family members include his son, Braxton Proper; a step-daughter, Alexis Proper; his girlfriend, Rhonda Estes; his best friend, Stacy Gladitz; two sisters, Carmen Hamilton and Delana Ferguson; a brother, Manuel Bocija and his wife Kim; 4 nephews, 3 nieces, 2 aunts, 3 uncles, and many cousins, friends, and extended family members.
Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Saturday from 12:00 noon until time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Emily Zeig-Lindsey of the Waterford Presbyterian Church will officiate.
Rhonda – I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I am praying for you and your family.
To the Bocija Family….We would like to extend our sympathy and concern to you and the entire family. We especially wish Braxton to remember all the good memories he shared with Mike, Alexis, and their Mother, Shayla. May Mike rest in peace. love, Judy and Bill Hepler
Dear Shayla
I am so sorry for your loss, your husband, best friend, and children’s father..No words can express how sorry and saddened I am. I know you two still had a great bond even though you were not married anymore, and I believe in my heart that he still loved you no matter what had happened. He knew he could still come to you until the very end. Now you have an angel looking upon you, Lexi, and Braxgton and that my friend is something amazing. I know because I experience it everyday with James’s father.. I love you and will be here for you whenever you need me..