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Stephen Bolesky Obituary
He was born in Evansville, Ind., Sept. 20, 1944. He was the son of Andrew J. Bolesky and the late Rita L. (Zeller) Bolesky. Steve received his education in Evansville and was a graduate of Indiana State. He later received a masters degree in history.
Steve married Constance Oxley on Nov. 25, 1977, in Woodford.
In 1977 Steve began his teaching career at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington where he taught economics and history. He was the only economics teacher in the history of the school. Steve served as advisor to the chess club which over the years won several state titles. He was also an advisor to the Student Senate and building representative and negotiator for the SWVEA.
Steve was an avid hiker and over the last 20 years organized an annual hike up Mount Washington. He climbed all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks twice. Being very thorough, he wanted to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. An avid fisherman, Steve also built his own wood-strip canoe and later wrote a book, “Building the Wood-Strip Canoe,” which is in the National Library of Congress. His other interests included the Old West and the Civil War and music ranging from Waylon Jennings to Yo-Yo Ma to Muddy Waters. He enjoyed gardening and loved his cats. A seemingly intelligent man, he inexplicably cheered for all the basketball teams coached by Bobby Knight. He also rooted for the Cincinnati Reds, formerly owned by Marge Schott and her dog Schottsie. Steve was a Chicago Bears fan and on many Sundays could be heard shouting “Da Bears.” He drove a pickup with the license plate “Hoosier” and a sticker on his back window that read “Why Be Normal”. Steve was a gentle man of grace, humor and dignity.
Survivors include his father, Andrew J. Bolesky of Evansville, Ind.; an aunt, Catherine Underhill; and three cousins, Beverly Lankford, Linda Tur and David Underhill; along with his many friends, students and colleagues.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Stephen A. Bolesky will be held at the North Shaftsbury Community House on Old Depot Road in Shaftsbury on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. Given Steve’s fashion sense, casual attire is required. If anyone has any pictures of Steve that they would like to share please bring them to the service. Directions: Go North on Route 7A, Old Depot Road is the first right after The Chocolate Barn. Proceed a short distance to the Community House.
If friends desire, contributions in memory of Stephen A. Bolesky may be made to the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.
Information supplied by the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Bolesky
Beth Giard
June 13, 2019
Steve will never be forgotten!
Kristen (King) Barrett
July 23, 2007
Not a day goes by that I don't think of the man that Mr. Bolesky was. I was truly honored to have been taught and befriended by him. I could always count on him to critique my basketball or softball game from the night before and if by chance he wasn't there, he did his homework! In the summer he would make frequent stops at my work to say HI and take a break from painting or a rest from biking! Connie was always by his side! Being the incredible, passionate, and sincere person he was, I could think of no one else but him to write my college recommendations. I think it took him only a day to complete them, a wink compared to the time it took me to fill out the applications.
As you can tell, I thought very highly of Mr. Bolesky. With everything that happened it was hard to forget the good person he was! He will be sorely missed and forever remembered in our hearts!
Beverly Lankford
July 1, 2007
We came to Vermont for Steve's memorial service and I discovered that he was truly a lucky man. Not only did he have his Evansville family that cared about him, but he had his Vermont family. His Aunt Kate was glad of that, especially this last year.
Thanks again from Steve's Evansville Family
Beverly Lankford
June 30, 2007
TO THE BOLESKY FAMILY,
WE WANT TO OFFER OUR
DEEPEST SYMPATHIES
DURING THIS SAD OCCASION.
-REV.21:4
Angela Dewey
June 29, 2007
Although I never had Mr. Bolesky as a teacher I did have occassion to see him in the halls at MAU and he was always one to greet you with a smile and say hello. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Tim Link
June 29, 2007
Many fine memories of Steve as an excellent teacher for freshman humanities, friend to trade music with, creator of specialty pipe tobacco blends, jokester and prankster (anyone remember the Soviet hat he used to wear during the cold war?). I last saw Steve in a random encounter at a concert in Great Barrington in 1990, but have always remembered him fondly and followed the last days in sadness and hope. Adio my friend, all the best....
Braemon Loomis
June 27, 2007
I had Mr. Bolesky as a teacher in the 11th grade and i have to say that when i saw him in the halls i thought he was a loon, but he was the nicest guy anyone could have met. In his class one of the final projects was to take a chapter of the book and teach it to the class. i picked the great depression. he pulls me aside that same day and says "you know that is one of the hardest chapters in the book right?" so i said yeah, and he says "i will expect nothing less then a full days worth of teaching from you then" so i said ok. i prepared for the project in the given time period and on the day i was to present when it looked as though it was time for me to teach he writes on the board "THE GREAT DEPRESSION". so i have to sit there and watch him basically teach my report. after class he pulls me aside and says "can i see your report?" so i give it to him, and he says "i only do these projects as a way for me to sit on my butt. this looks like the stuff i talked about, so hows an 'A' sound?".
Another thing i found cool about him was that he wasnt a military man. he never served. or fought. the funniest thing was that he would tell stories about being in the army. he said that his fear of needles was developed the day they put him in line to get immunized and pulled out two HUGE needles and said this wont hurt a bit.
Rest in peace Mr. Bolesky.
Kitty Farnham
June 25, 2007
Bo,
I feel honored to have known you and to have been with you through this last difficult transition in your life. The way you dealt with this situation with your gentle humor, grace and dignity was truly an inspiration.
William&Maryclare McGovern
June 24, 2007
Though we knew Steve Bolesky only
through news articles and his wonderful obituary we were able to
feel his spirit and personality shine through.
May his family remember the good times.May he rest in peace!
Kevin North
June 22, 2007
Mr Bolesky's class was one of the few that I looked forward to in high school. He always had a Far Side cartoon on the wall. I remember him telling me one day that his favorite one was of a dead whale and the first fly that lands on it yelling "dibs!" That was twenty years ago, but I still think of him with a smile every time I hear somebody call dibs. I miss you Mr B.
James Warner
June 22, 2007
Your inspiration continues to guide us toword our personal liberation.
bruce warner
June 22, 2007
I met Mr. Bolesky when I played chess in his class a few times. Two of my boys played on his chess team which won state championships. In my brief conversations with him, it's easy to understand the other entries in this book by his former classmates and colleagues who praised him as they have. He was quirky in a 'fun' way, and I have no doubt that I missed something good from not having the privilege of knowing him better...
Rest in peace, Steve and Rita
janet (Zeller)Dill
June 22, 2007
I never got to see Steve much after he moved to Vermont but when he came in to see Aunt Kate we always got together. I will miss my cousin of many talents.
Cheryl Ann Koehler
June 22, 2007
My contact with Steve had been about family history. He was so helpful and interested. He took a trip to Germany not too long ago that I could only envy. I am so sorry that the end of his life did not reflect the all of it.
D. (Elliott) Ebner
June 22, 2007
Steve,
Rest in peace my friend. You will be eternally missed. I feel blessed that you were able to meet my children. I can only hope they will have a teacher that loves them and encourages them like you did for me.
Debbie Butler
June 22, 2007
There never seem to be any right words to say at times like these, so please just know my thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. May Steve truly enjoy a peace that never ends.
Bev Lankford
June 22, 2007
As my cousin/brother I will always remember Steve, with love. Bev
BJ Kelley
June 22, 2007
Mr. Bolesky is my most memorable high school teacher. He taught
U.S. History with such enthusiam that motivated me to enroll in his economics class the following year. He encouraged me in my writing assignments and to pursue a higher education. Mr. Bolesky will always be remembered and missed. May he rest in peace.
Shannon Tatro
June 22, 2007
Mr. Bolesky was one the most memorable teachers that I was fortunate enough to have. His love for life and history always eminated throughout each lesson he taught. He always made learning exciting and fun. He brought history alive with his vibrant costumes, period artifacts and even music. I was blessed to have known him. May you find your peace at last.
Beth Giard
June 22, 2007
Having worked with Steve for 5 years at Mount Anthony, I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man, unique in his own way, with a great sense of humor. Steve, we will miss you.
Ann (Amann) Harrington
June 20, 2007
I will always remember Mr Bolesky as one of my few favorite teachers. He made learning fun and treated his students great. May he rest in peace.
Gerald Hartmann
June 20, 2007
Steve will be remembered by all of his classmates at Mater Dei High School class of 1962. He was a fun loving teen and a friend to all. He will be remembered at our 45th class reunion this fall.
Rest in Peace, Steve. You are in God's hands now. Your Friend, Jerry Hartmann
Terri Jones
June 19, 2007
This last chapter does not describe the Mr. Bolesky I knew. His profound humanity was striking and I will remember his commitment to his students and the influence he had on my life. Few teachers have had such a positive and enduring impact on my life. Rest in Peace and thank you.
Jenna Prentiss
June 19, 2007
Mr Bolesky was a wonderful teacher. Those who had him as a teacher loved him, Those who didn't have him, wished they could. He was well known and well loved through out the building. I pray that everyone will remember him as the wonderful, compassionate teacher that he was, and all the hard work and dedication he contributed be continued through his collegues teaching. My heart goes out to the close friends and family of Mr. Bolesky. May he rest in peace.
Cindy (Bushee) Hester
June 19, 2007
Rest in peace Mr. Bolesky. Mr. Bolesky was my favorite teacher in my senior year. He helped me thru a very tough year. He was such a compasionate teacher that really cared about his students. He always made you laugh. He was a Fantastic teacher and friend. The last time I saw Mr. Bolesky was at one of my high school reunions, He still was fun to be around and still cared so much about his students even after we left school. God Bless you Mr. Bolesky, may he have mercy on your sole.May he take you into his loving arms and give you eternal peace.
Coleen Heingartner
June 19, 2007
Mr. Bolesky,
I will always remember your encouraging words, smile and sense of humor. You had a strong impact on me during my four years at MAU.
I will forever remember you fondly.
With Love,
Coleen Jewett Heingartner
Frank Sutton
June 19, 2007
Prayers go out to a person who dedicated his life to teaching and has been a positive influence on many. Steve Bolesky's Passion for teaching was felt by his peers as well as the countless students he influenced over his many years in Bennington. Let us always remember the positive influence Steve had on developing one's mind and character.
Melanie Staff ( Harwood )
June 19, 2007
Mr. Bolesky...I remember your class and you dressing the part of what the subject of study was..you were an amazing teacher, it has been 26 years but i remember it like it was yesterday...rest in peace..you are in gods kingdom now
June 19, 2007
Mr.Bolesky was one of my favorite teachers that I ever had when I was in high school. He always encouraged me to be the best that I could be, and to always be true to myself. He was always there to talk to, and always made me feel better no matter what was going on in my life. Mr. Bolesky I hope that you rest in peace with your late wife.
My love always,
Danielle Archambault Lohnes
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