James Gary Bova

James Gary Bova was the only child born to James Anthony and Rose Marie Bova on June 4, 1952, in Dickson City, PA. "Gary," as he was called, died May 26, 2020, in Oklahoma City, OK, just shy of turning 68. He was greatly influenced by his Italian immigrant grandparents Joseph and Angela Bova and Faust and Giulia Donnini. As a child, he enjoyed weekly dinners with the Bovas. His Gramps Donnini would only speak to him in Italian in his home and would take him shopping weekly to the bootlegger for "Dago Red" wine and cheese. His grandparents cultivated his love of family, cooking and gardening. Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. After graduating from Bishop Hannan high school in 1970, he attended Keystone College. He was a volunteer firefighter and treasurer at the Eagle Hose Company #1 in Dickson City for four years. Through friends he met Monessa DeCarli, who became his wife of 49 years. Gary and Monessa moved to Las Cruces, NM, for Gary to continue his education in political science at New Mexico State University. Along the way, he had three of the most amazing daughters, Keri, Kelly and Abby, who were the apple of his eye. He moved to Oklahoma City to attend Oklahoma City University School of Law and graduated in 1981. Gary worked for a few years in family law before joining the State Insurance Fund where he worked his way up to managing attorney. In his spare time, he was a Fourth degree member of Knights of Columbus Oklahoma City Council 1038. He enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren at their sporting events, also teaching them to fish, and building model ships. His grandchildren loved being their Papa's sous chef in the kitchen. Gary ended his career in private practice before retiring in 2016. He was then able to enjoy more time fishing in local lakes. In his retirement, he shocked his family with a desire to paint and created masterpieces displayed in his daughters' homes. After his death, his daughters will be searching for evidence in his home of which daughter was actually his most favorite, as they are sure it couldn't possibly be 33 1/3 [%] each. He will be remembered by his family for his tough yet tender approach to parenting and for teaching his children that an education is its own reward. At the end of life, he was surrounded by four beautiful women who probably contributed to many gray hairs on his head.He is survived by his wife, Monessa Bova; daughters Keri Bova, Kelly Dumont, and Abby Bova; three amazing sons-in-law, George Griffin, Michael Dumont and Geoff Hinton that he loved harassing despite knowing they have their hands full with his spirited and strong-willed daughters; five grandchildren, Bianca Bova, Brock Dumont, Braeden Dumont, Karter Dumont and Zachary Hinton; his mother Rose; and his brother from another mother and true American hero, William Moore. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father. His family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Gary's registered nurse, Wesley, for his kind and compassionate care at the end of life. In lieu of flowers, honorary donations can be made in the name of Gary Bova to the Center of Family Love, 635 Texas Ave, Okarche, OK, 73762.Wake will be Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 6 pm at Smith & Kernke, 14624 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, 73106. Hours of visitation will be from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, May 31, 2020.Funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 11 am at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. At the Cathedral, social distancing protocols may limit usual capacity with masking required.