Richard J. Bolte Sr.

BOLTE

RICHARD J. 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 BDP International in 1972. Bolte is best known for his push to automate the freight forwarding industry. BDP was one of the first companies in the field to implement electronic data interchange systems. Under Bolte's leadership, BDP 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. BDP 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 astute businessman, civic leader, philanthropist, and husband," said his eldest son and BDP President, Richard J. Bolte Jr. Visitation for relatives and friends Monday, July 10 from July 10 from 7 to 10 P.M. and Tues. July 11 from 9 to 10 A.M. at the McCHESNEY FUNERAL HOME, 30 W. Main St., Moorestown NJ. Funeral Mass Tues. at 10:30 A.M. from Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Moorestown, NJ. Interment at St. Dominic's Cemetery, 8504 Frankford Ave., Phila., PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 in the name or Richard J. Bolte Sr.