Albert Culp Bollen

Albert Culp Bollen of Storrs completed his life's work on Tuesday (January 21, 2003). Al was born on June 22, 1909, in Marsden, OK, to Henry J. and Clara (Culp) Bollen, two years after Oklahoma became a state. He moved with his family at an early age to New Mexico where he attended the local schools. He was a childhood friend of the Fred Harvey family, food industry pioneers. While still a child, Al helped to launch their innovative rail side food service business by ringing the dinner bell to announce to arriving passengers that the enterprising Harveys were standing ready to satisfy their appetites. In 1932, he married May Durham in Albuquerque, NM. They had three children, Albert Jr., Eugene, and Mary Anne. In 1969, May died in Storrs after a prolonged illness. On April 1, 1971, Al married Mary Margaret Meloche Rumney, in Storrs. Al found his calling in the food service industry. He received his training at Cornell University in the School of Hotel Management and joined the Fred Harvey Organization at their headquarters in Chicago. After serving the Harvey Organization for more than a decade, he headed to New York City to found a consulting firm with two partners. During this time he established a relationship with the University of Connecticut. In 1950, Al was recruited by the University to become Director of Food Services. His knowledge and expertise in the industry proved invaluable in establishing the food service system at the rapidly expanding University with its various satellite campuses. He continued to oversee and direct operations until retiring in 1976. Al was an active member of the community as a charter member of the Mansfield Lions Club. In 1999, he received the Knight of the Blind Award in recognition of his many years of membership and service to the Club. He was also a member of the Storrs Congregational Church, the United World Federalists, the Mansfield Historical Society, and one of the first men to belong to the Women's Club of Storrs. Al is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Margaret; daughter Mary Anne and her partner Celia Parker of Jersey City, NJ; son Albert, Jr., grandchildren Kathy and Lynn, and great granddaughter Aaron of Old Saybrook; daughter-in-law Bonnie, grandson Craig, and great grandchildren Maizey Elise, Reiley Michele, and Mattie Hope of Prescott, AZ; several nieces and nephews; stepson George R. Rumney, II and his wife Jocelyne Racicot of Bowie, MD; stepdaughter Susan Rumney Barney and her children Austin Dunham, III and Amanda Brandegee of Bloomfield; and stepdaughter Mary Ann Rumney Besier and her husband Rudolph of Old Lyme. In addition to his first wife May, Al was predeceased by his son Eugene, and five brothers and sisters, George (Buddy), Bill, JC, Nell, and Bertha. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Mansfield Lions Club, in support of macular degeneration research. Donations should be forwarded to Donald M. Nolan, Secretary, Mansfield Lions Club, Post Office Box 543, Mansfield Center, CT 06250. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, March 1, 2003, at 10 a.m. in the Storrs Cemetery, North Eagleville Road, Storrs. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Storrs Congregational Church, with a reception after the service in the Parish House. There are no calling hours. The Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Route 195), Willimantic is assisting with the arrangements.