Celebrating the Life of
Peter Bostic
February 14, 1955 — June 9, 2023
Obituary
Peter Bostic, a beloved leader and advocate for the Long Beach community, passed away at the age of 68 from cancer on June 9, 2023. Despite battling health issues, Peter remained dedicated to his family and community until the very end.
Born on February 14, 1955, in New York, Peter's was adopted by Theodore and Olga Bostic and moved to California. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Los Angeles High School before venturing on to UC Santa Barbara where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1977. Decades later, in 2018, he achieved a master's degree in education from Northcentral University.
Peter’s career started in 1984 when he became executive director of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and assisted in developing the Weingart Urban Center YMCA in South Central Los Angeles. He worked for the LA, San Francisco and Orange County YMCAs for 20 years, administrating youth and adult physical education and child care, employment, and camping programs.
Throughout his career, Peter also held various positions in nonprofit management, including executive director of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and later served as executive director of Leadership Long Beach where he left an indelible mark on future leaders. Mayor Rex Richardson aptly described Peter as a "great civic leader" whose service and volunteerism transformed the community. Richardson, a product of Leadership Long Beach's class of 2010, personally experienced Peter's influence on his own leadership journey.
Peter also had extensive experience with community college districts, including San Jose City College, Cosumnes River College, Lake Tahoe Community College, Solano College and Santa Ana College. He retired from the LA Community College District in December 2022, where he served as a foundation development officer and advocate for Los Angeles Harbor College.
Peter's dedication extended beyond his jobs and was embedded in his everyday life. After retiring, he became president of the Blues Society along with Commissioner for Long Beach City Parks and Recreation to give back to Long Beach and bring people together through music.
But beyond his impressive professional achievements, Peter's infectious personality set him apart. An animated, joyful man, his mere presence could fill a room. He had an uncanny ability to find humor in any situation and was known for his repertoire of jokes that could make anyone laugh.
Peter's love for people and his remarkable ability to connect with anyone endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His interactions were memorable, and his warm spirit brought joy to those around him. He was a true people person, and his genuine care for others left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Peter is survived by his wife of 43 years, Hiedy Bostic, his children Ashleigh Bostic and Anthony Dandridge, and his sisters Dawn Bostic and Maureen Truax. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and community spirit that will continue to inspire all those who follow in his footsteps.
Services
Reception
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Pacific Time
4515 Sunfield Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific Time
Lakewood Village Community Church | 4515 Sunfield Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
View detailsMemories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Your favorite! Peter was always excited to see our Mascots out and about! Once a Seahawk Always a Seahawk!
I will miss you, my friend! We were partners in crime ... the good kind. You had some crazy ideas, but I was challenged to make them happen ... and look, we did it.
One of Peter's Favorite Groups - The Culinary Team ... the Chefs and their Students. He was a BIG supporter of Culinary Students.
There he is at another one of his creations - the Holiday Gathering to raise funds for Title 5 - CASA Great - College Action for Student Achievement (CASA) for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Peter with the Bosses at the Bostic and Dandridge Benches Dedication - 5/11/23
There he is ... always with a camera on hand to capture a moment!
The Inaugural Reggie Run. This was his baby and we saw it through. 4 am start ... We had some laughs at 4 am.
The Inaugural Reggie Run. This was his baby and we saw it through. 4 am start ... We had some laughs at 4 am.
Peter - my co-worker and friend. Peter and I worked together on so many projects and had many discussions. His heart for students and making a difference was clear. We had many heart-to-heart conversations. "I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ~ Mother Teresa To the Bostic Family, Peter, created ripples that will last a life time.
This photo was from a Surprise retirement event for Peter at LAHC. We were sharing memories with him and I had remarked on our mutual interest in photography and high lighted this by taking this photo with my Rayban Stories, which were smart glasses with built in cameras that I had told Peter I was able to buy with my District HRA Card, and his reaction in the photo came when he saw the light that flashes when the photo is taken.
Grand Canyon in 2022 when Mom and Dad came to visit Annika and I while living in Arizona. It was great to have a nature trip together.
Another Video Interview with Peter about another one of his endeavors Holiday Gathering ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itVIhslAHAA
My deepest condolences to the Bostic Family. We love you and will continue praying for you. Sending Hugs. Sylvia ~ Enjoy this short video, filmed at the Reggie Run - Bonus: Interview with Peter. https://youtu.be/onsiTJun0Dw
I've attached a short video of Peter's Baby ... The Reggie Run for Education! It highlights the hard work that went into making the day a success.
I have been fortunate to have known Peter for over 40 years. I was able to meet Peter on the ride home in a YMCA van from a fraternity conference in Central California. During that more than 5-hour ride, I was able to get to know a great man who would help me obtain at least 2 jobs; mentored, counselled, and advised me through good times and bad; and provided countless hours of friendship that I continue to hold close in my heart. Through Peter I was able to find my path of service. He was the one who guided me to the YMCA Youth & Government program that I gave over two decades of work and volunteer commitment. I followed his example of not only giving my time and money to the young people, but by always demonstrating the characteristics and behavior of a strong black man to succeed. I know many of the achievements made by those I interacted with are a direct reflection to the confidence Peter had in me to succeed. Peter also employed me at Leadership Long Beach which I gave more than a decade of time of my talents and abilities to help continue his vision toward the betterment of the city. Just like the YMCA, I remained after he moved on and continued to provide the outstanding work that he had begun. My success at the organization is due to him bringing me into the outstanding nonprofit. I have known Peter to be a devoted husband and father. He would speak of his loving union with Hiedy and how their love endured the many stages of his life. I know his greatest joy is his daughter Ashleigh and the stunning young woman that she has become. He also had a special place in his heart for his stepson Anthony. I want to graciously thank Hiedy, Ashleigh, and Anthony for allowing me to know Peter. Outside of my parents and sibling, Peter had been one of the few people who have impacted my life to make me the person that I am today. Sincerely, Oscar Lawrence Cosby
In loving memory of my dear father, Peter Bostic. Your presence in my life was a gift beyond measure. Your unwavering love, guidance, and belief in me shaped the person I am today. You were my rock, my inspiration, and my biggest cheerleader. The memories we shared will forever be etched in my heart. Though I deeply miss you, I find solace in knowing that your spirit lives on, guiding me through each step of my journey. Thank you for the profound impact you had on my life. Until we meet again, Dad, rest peacefully knowing that your legacy of love and strength lives on within me.
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