Paul J. Boggia, MSW, LCSW, age 77, died on August 17, 2022. He grew up in Leonia, NJ. He was one of 10 children, raised by their mother who was widowed at age 40. Paul was the third oldest of the 10.
Paul was a basketball star and stand out at Leonia High School during the 1960s. Long- time Leonia High School basketball coach, Lee Clark said that Paul was one of the best basketball players he had ever coached.
Paul graduated from Cheshire Academy in CT where he played basketball and was a scholar/athlete. He went on to play basketball at Boston University.
Paul J. Boggia, MSW, LCSW
and her husband, Dr. Mike Magee in West Hartford, CT. Patricia and Mike provided Paul with tender loving care and Patricia visited Paul almost daily. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Penny, Patricia and Mike, who gave Paul their love and attention and included Paul in all of their families’ activities. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living for their care and compassion.
Paul will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and gratitude. Paul was the most thoughtful brother and uncle. His card-sending and correspondence were legendary. He never missed a birthday, holiday, or graduation. He sent letters of congratulation to all members of his extended family for achievements, big and small. One of Paul’s greatest attributes was his gratitude. His thank you notes and letters were heartfelt and filled with his
Paul was also an avid runner, having run the NYC marathon a few times and the Dublin marathon.
Paul earned his master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University, and he was a licensed clinical social worker. He founded the Main Street Counseling Center in Stroudsburg, PA, where he provided therapy and healing to adults and children for over 20 years. Paul was most proud of the art therapy documentary, “You Are Not Alone” which was filmed over a 3-day period at his counseling center. This film follows Paul’s mission to help his patients achieve self-esteem and self-love. The film shows how the children were able to express their emotions through art as they painted a 6 ft by 6 ft turtle, using the colors and symbols of various cultures. The completed multi-colored turtle was later brought to the United Nations as an exhibit.
Paul retired to Florida to live near his sister, Penny O’Connell and her daughter, Daniele’s family. Soon after he retired, Paul was diagnosed with PSP. Paul recently moved to Brookdale Senior Living, near his sister, Patricia
expressions of appreciation.
Paul is survived by his nine siblings, Peter and his wife Mary, Pam and her husband, Jim McLaughlin, Patricia and her husband, Mike Magee, Portia and her husband, Mike Davidson, Philip and his wife, Susan, Perry, Penny, Peyton, Priscilla and her husband, Tom Toronto, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his stepbrothers, Kenneth Charles Muller, and Roger Muller
Paul was predeceased by his father, B. Franklyn Boggia in 1957, his step-fa ther, Henry L. Muller in 1987, his mother, June Boggia Muller in 2005, his stepsister, Jane “Rusty” Muller Batz and his stepbrother, Henry “Butch” Muller.
Paul will be greatly missed by his family, to whom he was a humble hero, a gentle soul and a lifelong blessing. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donation to the Community Chest of Leonia, PO Box 68, Leonia, NJ 07605, or St. Christopher’s Inn, 21 Franciscan Way, PO Box 150 Garrison, NY 10524, in memory of Paul Boggia would be appreciated.
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