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STEPHEN BOLGER Obituary
STEPHEN GARRETT, May 18, 2013, of Bryn Mawr, PA. Beloved husband of Mary Patricia "Pat" Bolger (nee Whalen). Devoted father of Christine Ricart (Fernando), Patricia McLeod (Bud), Elizabeth Haney, Garrett Bolger (Claudette), Cecilia Russell (Eric) and Madeleine Bolger (Andrew Duke), loving grand-father of 18 and great-grand-father of one. Funeral services and interment are private. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Project H.O.M.E., Dev. Dept., 1515 Fairmount Ave., Phila., PA 19130 or to Rosemont College, 1400 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont PA 19010.
McCONAGHY F.H., Ardmore
www.mcconaghyfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN BOLGER
Susan Franger Singleton, 1965
May 14, 2023
Rereading all these wonderful comments brings back the many happy memories of Mr. Bolger's classes. The Faulkner discussions were particularly insightful.
Jeanne Giordano class of '69
June 15, 2013
One of my favorite people and teachers. He really cared. I also took an animation class after normal hours in the lunch room.
Debbie Rubino
May 29, 2013
Dr. Bolger was a wonderful teacher. His love of literature was contagious. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family. - Debbie Schwab Rubino ('86)
Anastasia Hopkinson '66
May 29, 2013
Dr. Bolger left a trail of students who came to delight in literature as he did. My condolences to his family. While I never had the privilege of being in his class, so many of my classmates admiration rubbed off on me. He was a great teacher.
Nancy Kinkead Davis, Rosemont '70
May 28, 2013
Dear Pat and the Bolger family,
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Bolger's death. He was my professor years ago at Rosemont, but it was in the Forum that I got to fully appreciate the breadth of his knowledge, his kindness, and his wonderful sense of humor. We were all privileged to have had him as a teacher, and we will miss him greatly.
Paul Lyons
May 26, 2013
Patty: Sorry to read that your Dad has passed away. I read the obituaries every day, we were former classmates years ago in Havertown. Sorry for your loss.
Joan DuRocher
May 25, 2013
Sending prayers to the family. I was fortunate to have had Dr. Bolger at Rosemont (class of '68) oh so many years ago now. May all the memories help you heal on go on.
Sonia Shaw Chislett
May 22, 2013
Very sad news. He was an inspirational teacher. I will never forget his classes on T. S. Eliot and the American Novel. I thought of him often especially when I became an English Literature teacher. (Class of 65)
C Cameron
May 21, 2013
Dr. Bolger both taught and inspired me. I wrote my M.A. thesis on an unusual regional author he presented in class in the mid-1960s. He deserves Heaven's highest tier. My sympathy to all who miss him.
May 21, 2013
Dear Pat,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate years at Rosemont, he was a great friend and teacher. His generous sharing of his own love of literature was contagious, and I'm grateful that I had the chance later in life to realize what a gift he gave to his students. I will treasure the memory of my friendship with both of you forever.
Love,
Kate (Tucker) Monaghan, '65, '02
PATRICIA HICKEY
May 21, 2013
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BOLGER FAMILY. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PART OF THE ROSEMONT COMMUNITY AND A GOOD FRIEND AND TEACHER.
May 21, 2013
My sympathy to Pat and all the Bolger Family. I loved Garry and will carry his laughter in my heart forever. Ronnie Ahern '68
Sharon Hoy-Waldron
May 21, 2013
Dr. Bolger was a beloved professor through my undergraduate and graduate classes. I remember the gracious way he and Mrs. Bolger would welcome us into their home at the end of classes. My deepest sympathies to Dr. Bolger's family. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Michael Duska
May 21, 2013
Very fond memories abound when I think about Professor Bolger and his entire family. Kim and I were truly saddened by his passing.
Noreen Baker
May 21, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Bolger family on the loss of Dr. Bolger. I will never forget his influence on my young mind during those years. May he find peace in heaven.
Gail Hawkins
May 20, 2013
"The Moments Before"
Two weeks ago, an email, out of the blue.
Said, "Memories"
Come to the reunion, why don't you? 40 years!
Your old classmates jumped at the chance to see you,
my old English professor wrote.
I thought he was mad at me because I turned into
a poet along the way. So, I had a birthday yesterday
and I went to get my "Explosion Cake" from Whole Foods
for my gang. Then my BlackBerry exploded too.
Subject line: Garry
Sent by... family... Rosemont College.
Yes, my class was '73.
The year my parents died. The year "Daddy Bolger"
was pressed into action. Oh, to have seen him once more.
I knew he was gone the moment I saw the message.
So, knowing why he reached back I steadied the cake so
the chocolate wouldn't spill and gently put my year older
leg into the car. Drove off with my writing partner Mike
to go to my birthday party and write some poetry with my gang. After all, I had turned into a poet since
Daddy Bolger last saw me.
All my love to Mommy Pat and Family
Wadiyah Ali
May 20, 2013
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Bolger. I will forever associate his good name with the likes of Mark Twain and so many other great authors that he introduced to me in his fascinating lectures in Lawrence Hall. I learned to love the best of American literature thanks to him. I am forever in his debt.
Maureen Matturri Testa
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Bolger family. As a sophomore in 1959, I remember Dr. Bolger as an encouraging, patient and inspirational teacher. I will never forget his class. I feel fortunate to have had him as a professor.
Donna Caprari Heiser '74
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Bolger Family- I have many wonderful memories of Dr. Bolger, not the least of which was a "external campus" class to the Bolger home where we enjoyed lovely music and great literature. He was a treasure and together with Dr. Kuhn and Dr. Ohara will always be some of my most cherished memories of Rosemont.
Margaret Vogt
May 20, 2013
Dr. Bolger's was the first sampling I had before enrolling full time at Rosemont. His funny witticisms and life lessons were as valuable as his erudite teaching. Dr.Margaret Vogt, '84
Mary Ann Macartney
May 20, 2013
Dear Pat,
My sincere sympathy to all the members of the family. Please know that Garry will live on in the hearts of his Rosemont students and colleagues, whose lives he touched in lasting ways.
Clare Pearman Grochowski
May 20, 2013
Dear Bolger Family, as a 1985 English Lit graduate, I was fortunate enough to take several of Dr. Bolger's classes. His legacy includes many of us who continue to maintain our passion for literature and writing. You are in my prayers.
May 20, 2013
Dr. Bolger's warmth, humor and learning touched many of us, students and others. I was fortunate to share him with my husband when he and Pat visited California, a few yeas after my graduation. We send our deepest condolences to Pat and the Bolger family. He will be remembered with fondness and respect. Gail Kilker Dowell '61
Nellie Ingersoll
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the Bolger family. I hope it brings you comfort to know that he was cherished by so many students.
Nany Hartsock
May 20, 2013
I will always remember watching Dr. Bolger from Good Counsel, as he walked up the hill toward the chapel where Pat would meet him with his bagged lunch. Thank you, Dr. Bolger, for your friendship and for sharing your passion and wisdom with so many of us. You will be missed.
Bunny Braithwaite Brosnan'79
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Bolger. He was a warm and caring teacher as well as my thesis advisor. I have fond memories of being invited to dinner at his house along with several other students.
Erlis Wickersham
May 20, 2013
Dear Pat and family,
John and I are sending you our most sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to you. We have only the fondest memories of Garry, a gentleman and a gracious colleague. With sympathy and regard, Erlis and John Wickersham
May 20, 2013
My deepest condolences to Dr. Bolger's family. Dr. Bolger was a wonderful professor and a warm and caring man. He will be greatly missed.
Marggy Donato Gabriel, Class of '96
Wendy Wall
May 20, 2013
One of my regrets is that I never had Dr. Bolger as a teacher but he read some of my stuff in the Rambler and
Inscapes and came to the Jest & Gesture plays and was always positive and encouraging. At our 10th
reunion he had a delightful
conversation with my two little
boys and my four year old
talked about the "nice man" on
the drive home. Kids know
genuine goodness when they see it. What a lovely legacy he
leaves Rosemont and the
family he cherished.
Best wishes, Wendy Somerville Wall,'64.
Michelle Rourke Kehoe '94
May 20, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Professor Bolger was a beloved member of our Rosemont Community. He will be dearly missed.
May 20, 2013
Deep sympathy for the Bolgers who have lost someone who was a pillar of learning at Rosemont. His influence was broad even unto history majors. Peace, Dorrie King '65
Tara Cuddihy McFadden
May 20, 2013
So sad to hear the news. Just yesterday I was thinking about Huckelberry Finn. I remember reading that in Freshman English. I was thinking that my son might enjoy reading it. Rosemont will not be the same without Dr. Bolger walking up Wendover Ave. Rest in Peace. Thanks for your many kindnesses.
Anthony Liguori
May 20, 2013
Dearest Pat & Family:
Steven and I are very sorry for your loss. Although we were only neighbors in the same building, we did get to speak to Garry on occasion and see him and you in passing. Our prayers and thought are with you and your entire family. Anthony & Steven
May 20, 2013
Dr.Bolger came to Rosemont the same year I did, and he was absolutely my favorite professor. He was learned but not stuffy; he was fair and fun; he was universally liked and respected. My sincere sympathies to Mrs Bolger and their entire family.
Martha Reeves Cole, Class of '61
Diane Bufo Daly
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Dr. Bolger's family. I was a student of his from 1968-72 and remember his kind and gentle nature. I was saddened to hear of his passing.
Monica Loncola-Dergosits
May 20, 2013
Dr. Bolger was the most articulate & knowledgable professor of literature I experienced during my years at Rosemont. He reached out to me my freshman year & was like a father figure when I needed guidance. His legacy will live on throughout the campus of Rosemont forever.
I was lucky to have been one of his students. My condolences to the Bolger Family. May he rest in peace with all of his books.
Monica Loncola '80
Christian Connolly
May 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Bolger family. Dr. Bolger was an absolute joy to have in our community and we are truly better off having known him.
Susan Burke
May 20, 2013
Dear Pat and Christine and Patty and Elizabeth and Garrett and Cecilia and Madeleine,
The news of Garry's death breaks my heart--particularly since he has been on my mind for the past two weeks, but I didn't call. Your family holds a special place in my heart, beginning with his excellent classes, especially his gift for uncovering Yeats, and then the privilege of "babysitting" for you all while I was at Rosemont, and finally that glorious trip to Ireland with Pat and Garry. Pat, you are so very dear to me. I will call you soon. Love, Susan
May 20, 2013
My prayers and sympathy to the family of Dr. Bolger. I was a graduate of 1968 and still remember Dr. Bolger's enthusiasm and insight into the world of literature. He instilled in me a love of books that remains in me to this day. Sincerely, Kathie Donnelly Solomon
May 20, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Bolger family. Mr.Bolger was among the most popular professors in my day (Class of 65)who engaged his students in very innovative ways. Studying Faulkner with him was a delight I have not forgotten. Susan Franger Singleton
Stacy A
May 20, 2013
Rest in Peace Prof Bolger. May your bookcase overflow with wonderful books in heaven! -I was a student of Prof Bolger at Rosemont in 1997. Deepest condolences Mrs. Bolger.
Kate Miller
May 20, 2013
Dr. Bolger was truly one of my favorite professors. Such a wonderful, smart man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Kate Marron Miller Class of 1985
Kathleen Casey
May 20, 2013
Dr. Bolger was one of the pillars of Rosemont College. He certainly left the college a better place. Sympathies to his family and the Rosemont community.
May 20, 2013
I was a student of Dr. Bolger's from 1966 - 1970 at Rosemont. As a professor of Literature, he had no equal. As a kind and compassionate human being, he is remembered with great fondness. Beth Brecker Plunkett '70
Kim Unger
May 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bolger was truly one of the nicest and best professors. Rosemont was a better school because of him. He will be missed.
Jamie Jenson-Pomerhn
May 20, 2013
I was fortunate to have Dr. Bolger as both my advisor and my professor while I was a student at Rosemont. In fact, I kept putting off declaring my major because I knew it meant I'd have to say goodbye to him as my advisor! My family and I first met Dr. Bolger the summer before my freshman year of Rosemont. We had driven down in order for me to register for my first semester of classes, and Dr. Bolger was there to meet and greet some of the incoming freshmen. At lunch that day, he sat down with my parents and me. He was so easy to talk to, and his smile put all three of us at ease. That same year, he and his lovely wife invited his advisees to dinner one evening, and I stayed later than the others because I just loved the stories he and his wife shared with us. Their love for each other was so obvious, and I remember saying to my friends that I hoped I could find what they had some day. When I lost a family member very suddenly during my freshman year of college, Dr. Bolger reached out to me to make sure I was ok. He and his wife also dedicated a mass in honor of my passed loved one, and that meant a great deal to my family and me. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bolger family. May you find comfort in knowing Dr. Bolger touched the lives of so many. I know I will not soon forget his wisdom, kindness, and infectious smile.
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