Ross F. Boland

Ross Franklin VJ Boland, 64, of West Hartford, entered eternal slumber, Friday, April 21, 2017 after an illness, while in the finest care of the Doctors, Nurses and others at St. Francis Hospital. Ross was born in Hartford the son of the late James J. Boland, Sr. and Stephanie (Ritkowski) Boland. Ross cared for his mom and dad until their passing at 88 and 92 respectively. In addition to the passing of his parents he suffered the untimely loss of his brother James "Jay" J. Boland, Jr. in 1997 and the passing of his brother Bruce E. Boland in February of this year after a protracted illness. Ross made West Hartford his home where there is not a neighbor, past or present, who does not know of his kindness, generosity and brilliant mind. Ross was the consummate scientist, he earned his BA, MA and PhD. from UCONN in Metallurgy, and was extremely accomplished in the field, holder of patents in Diamond Coatings, Thermal Spray Deposition, and other coating processes. Ross was an author of over 50 publications, and would help design and manage operations and fabrication laboratories for state of the art coating, deposition processes and ion surface modifications. Ross had a quick and curious mind that led him to also become a recognized expert witness for control systems related to automatic doors. His experience as an engineer would allow him to develop specialized fixtures for the fabrication and repair of laboratory glass, which was his father's business as well. He is survived by two sisters Caroline Cunningham, and Phyllis Samofal; 7 nephews and 3 nieces. He is additionally survived by his long time, constant companion, Cheryl Daniels. Funeral services will be Friday (4/28) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Friends and family may call Thursday, from 4-8 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Utopia Rescue Ranch, 966 Echo Hill Rd. Medina, Texas 78055, or the 2nd Amendment Foundation, 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005. Directions and online expressions of sympathy may be made www.molloyfuneralhome.com. For all that knew and loved him, it's been "our pleasure"