JOHN BUGADO
I met Marita, my current wife, after Claire, my wife of 46 years, passed away in 2011. She was not a stranger because Claire and Marita belonged to the same Soroptimist Women’s Group. We got married in June 2014 in St. Gabriel’s church.
I was one of the founding parishioners of St. Gabriel’s Church joining in 1973. Claire was an active member and she and I volunteered for many of the fundraiser events throughout the years.
I have always respected and admired the Knights. I was really busy with my family, work at NCR Computer Systems, completing my MBA degree and later in management and teaching at National University John Heinen was my sponsor who talked to me about the Knights and encouraged me to join. I talked to other Knights and I decided to join. This was my best decision because I’ve enjoyed the many years as a Knight!! I enjoyed participating in various activities such as their annual fundraiser, the annual Fun Fest, and fish dinners during Lent. I especially enjoy the social events such as the Christmas party and monthly meetings.
The one thing that not too many friends know about me is that I love basketball. I played basketball for many years until I was in my 40s. I realized my body could not compete any longer. I coached my son’s basketball team for 7 years. I was also active with the Poway Youth Basketball program, serving as their president for 2 years.
My favorite hobbies and things to do include:
Being an avid Padres Baseball fan and SDSU Aztecs Basketball fan
Love to play cards, especially bridge and cribbage,
Follow my Catholic beliefs religiously,
Love to dance and enjoy music with Marita who is a great dancer,
Love to go on Ocean Cruises,
Following the stock market investments.
There is one thing that I would change after graduating from High School. I joined the Naval ROTC program at Oregon State University but dropped out during the Junior year. I should have continued and joined the Navy as an officer and serve my country.
I do love to travel and have visited numerous countries. I especially love Venice, Rome, Australia, New Zealand, Paris and other parts of France, Spain, Japan and Hong Kong. I am from Hawaii and love the Hawaiian Islands.
I would like to do more traveling and writing about all my travels.
As a Knight, the number of annual volunteered hours vary. In 2024, the number of my volunteer hours was 125 hours.
At my current age, I want to do more relaxing and enjoying time with my family!!!