Richard J. Bolte Sr.

Founder Chairman and Chief Executive officer of Philadelphia based BDP International died July 5 2006 following a recent illness. He was 72. He is survived by his wife Patricia M. Bolte (nee Curtis); 7 sons: Richard J. Jr. (Karen) Moorestown NJ John M. (Nancy) West Chester PA Tim H. (Sheila) Phoenix MD Frank X. (Debbie) Delran NJ Robert J. (Lara) Philadelphia PA Michael (Leslie) Connors Charlotte NC William J. (Natalie) Connors Hainesport NJ; 2 sisters Bonnie and Joan; a brother Ronald. Also survived by 25 grandchildren.
Born in 1934 Bolte graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. After military service in Alaska during the Korean War he obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration by taking night classes from LaSalle University. During the day he worked for a small Philadelphia firm facilitating exports and in 1966 formed R. J. Bolte Co. through a series of mergers the company became B D P International in 1972.
Bolte is best known for his push to automate the freight forwarding industry. B D P was one of the first companies in the field to implement electronic data interchange systems. Under Bolte's leadership B D P also became a primary logistics services provider to many chemical manufacturing giants. In May the Chemical Heritage Foundation gave Bolte its first award for supporting the industry's global expansion.
B D P began a phased succession several years ago with the company's management team assuming increasing responsibility for both its long term strategy and day-to-day operations. In addition to his business activities Bolte spent the past 30 years raising and breeding horses. He was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission in 2004. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg MD and on the Board of the Seamen's Church Institute in Philadelphia PA.
'Self-made in the finest American Tradition my father was an astute Businessman Civic Leader Philanthropist and Husband' said his eldest son and B D P President Richard J. Bolte Jr.
Visitation for relatives and friends Monday July 10 from 7-10 PM and Tuesday July 11 from 9-10 AM at the McCHESNEY FUNERAL HOME 30 West Main Street Moorestown NJ. Funeral Mass Tues. at 10:30 AM from Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church Moorestown NJ. Interment at St. Dominic's Cemetery 8504 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg MD 21727 in the name of Richard J. Bolte Sr.