Louis Francis Bova, Jr

Louis Francis Bova, Jr., 83, of Niwot died Nov. 18, 2015 from complications of a fall. He was hard-working, intelligent, serious, caring and deeply devoted to his wife, daughter, twin sisters and the many dogs in his life. Lou was born June 2, 1932 in Youngstown, Ohio to Louis Francis Bova and Mary Miscimarra Bova. He was always a great big brother to his twin sisters. He graduated from Union High School in Newcastle, Pa., then served in the United States Navy as a dental technician at Patuxent River Naval Air Station from 1951 to 1955. He married Janice Barbara Brickner on June 16, 1955 in Newcastle and they had one daughter, Lisa. Lou attended Youngstown State University on the G.I. Bill, earning a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. Like his father, he went to work for U.S. Steel. He spent more than 30 years with the company, serving as superintendent of the primary and rolling mills at the Youngstown McDonald Works until it closed in 1980. He then worked as a consultant for the company's Altos Hornos de Vizcaya mill in Bilbao, Spain, which gave him and Jan the opportunity to explore Europe. Lou and Jan returned to the United States in 1982. They lived in Pittsburgh until his retirement in 1983, when they moved to Breckenridge, Colo., where they had enjoyed many family ski trips over the years. In Colorado, Lou embraced his passion for golf, skiing and discovering the state with his wife and daughter, whether it was hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, panning for gold in ghost towns or "four-wheeling" in their two-wheel-drive station wagon. One harrowing trip from Idaho Springs to Central City in a 1967 GTO elicited continuous cries of "Oh, my God!" — only after the trip did they learn that the route was known as "Oh, my God!" road. He and Jan moved to Niwot in 1984, where he used his talents to serve the community in many ways. Lou built the aviation cages at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lyons and served as the president of the board. He also served on the board of his condominium association. Around the house, Lou was "Mr. Fix-it." He was devoted to his daughter Lisa, and would at a moment's notice drive to Breckenridge to help her remodel her house, paint her business and anything else that needed to be done. He especially looked forward to visits from Lisa, who made all his favorite Italian foods. Lou supported Jan's volunteer work with Greenwood and they both kept up with current events, reading and discussing two newspapers a day. He is survived by his wife Jan of Niwot; daughter Lisa of Breckenridge; two sisters, Maryanne Jannetti of Newcastle and Joanne Carrigan of Sharon, Pa.; and his dog, Ruby. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 18987, Boulder, CO 80308.