Harry E Boland

May 16, 1921

September 16, 2012

Lt. Colonel, USMC, Retired

Harry E. Boland, age 91, passed away on September 16 after a brief illness.

Born at home in Webster Groves, Mo. in 1921, Harry was the youngest son of Margaret and John L. Boland. A precocious child, he graduated high school at the age of 16 and went on to attend St. Louis University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1942. That same year, he married and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

The grandson of a Confederate cavalryman, Harry was himself a member of the 'Greatest Generation' of the twentieth century, serving his country with the 2nd Marine Division during World War II. Following basic training and OCS he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant at Quantico, Virginia with operational specialization in ordnance. On detached service with the Headquarters Service Command, Fleet Marine Force - Pacific, he was sent to New Zealand and participated in campaigns in the Central Solomons and the Gilbert Islands. At the conclusion of the war he remained in the Marine Corps Reserve and was recalled to active service during the Korean War. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1946, Harry began working at Interlake Iron Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio as a purchasing agent. Nine years later, he launched a 30-year career with the B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company. He moved his young family to New Jersey and worked as a salesman in the New York area. He joined the international sales division in 1965 and began traveling the world as a sales and marketing manager. In 1972, he became B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company's Area Director of the Pacific region. This position required a move to Melbourne, Australia, where the family remained until 1978. The stint in Australia was followed by four years in The Netherlands and four years in Hong Kong, where he worked as Managing Director of Europe and Far East, respectively.

Harry retired from B.F. Goodrich in 1986 and settled in Bath, Ohio. He devoted much of his retirement to volunteering in his community, spending many years working for Meals on Wheels and Good Neighbors. During this time he also supported the work of his wife, Mary Ann, who served as Executive Director of Leadership Akron. Despite the fact he was retired, Harry managed to put in a good day's work every day!

Everyone will miss Harry's warm and generous presence. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that lit up the room. He was very well-read and always up-to-date on the latest current events. He often had music playing in the background when working at his desk or reading in bed, and only recently gave up his season tickets to the Akron Symphony Orchestra. He loved taking care of his dog and the birds in his backyard. He adored his wife, children and grandchildren, and nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings; by his first wife, Margaret Ann (Peg) Boland (nee Fox -- d. 1960); sons, Philip Edward (d. 1943), Harry Edward, Jr. (d. 1999); and daughter, Jo Ann (d. 1994). He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Mary Ann; his children, Gerard (Deidre) Boland of Bathurst, Australia; Margaret O'Toole (Jack) of Hudson, Ohio; Jane Boland of Sorrento, Australia, Paul (Angela) Boland of Wadsworth, Ohio; and Kate (Mike) Dietry of Waunakee, Wis. Harry also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, Courtney Boland, Elaine (Sean) McFadden, and Greg Boland; Laura and Dan Boland; Sean (Lisa) Lovass and Sam Lovass; Miranda, Sebastian¸ Grace, Charlotte, Dominic, Bridget, and Matthias Boland; as well as Brandt, Parker and Evan Dietry.

Visitation will be Friday, September 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Billow's Fairlawn Chapel, 85 North Miller Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 22 at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 164 West Market Street in Akron.

The family would like to thank the staff in the CICU Unit at Akron General Medical Center and the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center for their care and compassion during Harry's illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jo Ann Boland Memorial Library at H.M. Life Opportunity Services (1815 West Market Street, #102, Akron, OH 44313); Good Neighbors, Inc. (1453 Goodyear Blvd., Akron, OH 44305) or Mobile Meals, Inc. (1063 S. Broadway Street, Akron, OH 44311).

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)