Virginia Bossert

Virginia Horak Bossert
January 1, 1931 – July 13, 2025

Born on New Year’s Day in 1931 in Astoria, New York, Virginia Horak entered the world with a spark—and she carried that spark through every chapter of her life. The eldest of three children to Aloysius and Harriet Horak, she was a loving big sister to Charles and Monica. Raised during the Great Depression and World War Two, Virginia attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Bryant High School in 1949.

In the 1950s, Virginia worked as a civilian in the personnel department at the Army Pictorial Center (now known as Kaufman Astoria Studios) in Queens. She balanced a full-time job with night classes at Hunter College, all while embracing a full social life filled with dancing, laughter, and travel — making memories in the Poconos, Florida, and Cuba. Her grandest adventure was a transatlantic voyage aboard the SS Liberté with her friend Eleanor. Together they sipped champagne in Paris, watched a bullfight in Spain, climbed the Spanish Steps in Rome, and rode a funicular to the top of Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland. That trip cemented a lifelong love of travel which she later passed on to her family.

Virginia met her future husband, 1st Lieutenant Philip A. Bossert, at the Army Pictorial Center. They married in 1958 and had three children in succession—Philip Jr., David, and Caroline.  In 1962, like many of their generation, they moved from the city to the suburbs on Long Island.  Five years later they welcomed their “unexpected surprise,” Alison. They became involved in the Massapequa community where they would raise their family and spend the rest of their lives.

Virginia was active in the PTA, taught Catechism at St. William the Abbot, and was a fearless home chef.  She regularly tested new recipes inspired by Julia Child on her unsuspecting family. In 1977, she returned to government work, ultimately becoming a Contracting Officer at an Army base in Bellmore. After 25 years of federal service, she retired in 1993.

Retirement didn’t slow her down. She and Phil traveled often—cruising, visiting family, and spending time annually in their beloved Bahamas. They were very active in the St. Rose of Lima parish where they delivered Meals on Wheels and regularly donated her cooking talents to charity auctions. After Phil’s passing, Virginia became president of the St. Rose Retired Couples Group, which she later renamed the Retired Friends of St. Rose. She planned day trips, luncheons, meetings, pizza parties, and just last month, presided over her final gathering.

A true force of nature, Virginia was curious, whip-smart, full of anticipation, and never short on opinions. After losing her son Phil, Jr. in 2013 and her husband Phil, Sr. in 2015, she rebuilt her life with characteristic determination—seeking out new friendships, including a close bond with her dear friend Julie, and continuing to travel. She proudly attended the weddings of two of her grandchildren, Sydney and Andrew, and joyfully became “Gigi” to her great-granddaughter Ada in 2023.

Virginia was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who raised her children to be independent, resilient, and self-sufficient. She lived fully, loved deeply, and fought fiercely to stay in the party of life until the very end.

She was predeceased by her husband Philip Bossert, Sr.; her son Philip Jr.; and her brother Charles Horak. She is survived by her children David (Nancy), Caroline, and Alison; daughter-in-law Anita (Phil, Jr.); her sister Monica; grandchildren Sydney (Aurelién), Andrew (Katharine), Stephanie, and Marlee; and great-granddaughter Ada.

She loved a good margarita or Aperol Spritz and will be remembered in countless photos, drink in hand, beaming with joy at holidays and other celebrations. So the next time you raise a glass—cheers to Virginia!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Virginia’s name to Meals on Wheels or the Arbor Day Foundation, two causes that reflect her commitment to community and love of nature.

Her Life will be celebrated on Friday, July 25th 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26th 11:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima RC Church, Massapequa, NY. The Mass will be Live Streamed and can be viewed by using the following link - https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-for-virginia-bossert-gwfovcmhuwnpiyefmuvw Interment to follow at Grace Church Cemetery, Massapequa, NY.