By Alex Ginsberg
Dave Bogart, longtime president of the Bellerose Jewish Center and a staple of community and religious groups in northeast Queens, died Sunday of a heart attack. He was 68.
As president of the Bellerose Jewish Center, a conservative synagogue, for 23 years, Bogart was an energetic leader and a mentor to many, Rabbi Jerome Dattelkramer said.
“He was very committed to helping others,” said Dattelkramer.
“Bellerose Jewish Center was very important to him, but at the same time he was involved in so many different areas,” the rabbi said. “He was a very strong person, with a great sense of humor. He gave advice to many people and many came to him for advice. He loved to talk about and study Judaism.”
Corey Bearak, president of the Queens County Line Democratic Association and a well-known figure in Queens Democratic circles, remembered Bogart as a trusted mentor.
“He was a very straightforward, helpful and committed person and his word meant something,” Bearak said. “He always kept his commitments.”
Bogart was active in the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council, where he served as chairman of the Lay Leadership Council, according to a biography provided by the organization. He is credited with introducing several cost-saving measures in connection with the UJA-Federation and played a key role in the organization of Yeshiva Har Torah in northeast Queens.
Bogart was born in Washington Heights-Inwood and attended the Bronx High School of Science. He was particularly proud of having been captain of the school's swim team, Dattelkramer recalled.
Bogart attended New York University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business where he earned a master's degree in business administration.
He went on to a successful career in the lumber industry, which included a stint as president of the Greater New York Lumberman's Association, Dattelkramer said.
Bogart was honored in 1996 by the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council for outstanding service to the community, Bearak said. He has also received the Kehillah Service Award of LICOR and been honored by UJA-Federation and Israel Bonds.
He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and served as camp master at the Kaufman Scout Camp for many years. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Following his retirement several years ago, Bogart moved to Florida, where he was active in Temple Torah of Boynton Beach and his local homeowners' association, Dattelkramer said.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, to whom he was married for more than 40 years, two married sons, Paul and Joshua, and three grandchildren.
Reach reporter Alex Ginsberg by e-mail at timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
