Christopher Francis Bolanz
1963 - 2013
Christopher Francis Bolanz
1963 - 2013
Obituary
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Christopher Bolanz Obituary
Chris was born May 13, 1963 in Los Angeles, CA. He was a graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio and Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where he received a degree in Communications. Chris was a veteran of the US Navy and was employed for 20 years with WRAL as a news director.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Dally; and grandparents, Henry and Molly Bolanz.
Chris is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Bolanz of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; former wife, Holly Bolanz; daughter, Lea Morgan Bolanz; son, Christopher Robert Bolanz all of Cary, NC; uncle, Bill (Connie) Bolanz; aunt and Godmother, Jane Bolanz; and many cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held 7pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Chapel, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511 with Reverend June Fulton officiating. The family will receive friends at 5:30pm prior to the service. Funeral Mass and burial will follow in Akron, OH at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynneCary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gary Haber
July 30, 2015
Chris and I served in the same duty section aboard Concord. I may not have known him well but he was always quick with a joke and a smile. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Concord brother.
Bruce Lewis
June 10, 2015
I served with Bolanz on the USS Concord(AFS-5). He was one of the nicest people that I had known. The last memories that I have of he and Holly were at a party that they gave back in 85 in Norfolk. The best. Rest in peace my friend and thanks for the fond memories
Judy Trent
June 3, 2013
Holly and Family,
You two were the best neighbors in willoughby spit! I had not spoke to you in a while and when I tried to look you up I came across Chris' passing. I am so sorry and will be praying for you all. Chris was one of the nicest guys! I will be coming to Cary in a week or so. Judy & Elisa Trent
shawn cardille
May 6, 2013
Im so sorry to hear of chris passing.I went to c f highschool with him and did a couple of plays with him.He was a warm,funny man.God bless his family and friends during these hard times.
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Bervette Carree
April 28, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Chris when I produced at WRAL. He was super talented! We shared so many laughs together. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 28, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Chris's family for their loss. Lea and Christopher, please know that your dad was much loved by everyone he knew and you still have a lot of family here in Ohio - including all of us who care about Mary Lou.
Paul & Joli Magnus
April 25, 2013
So sorry to hear of his passing. I have so many vivid memories of my childhood in Cuyahoga Falls running around with Keith Hastman and Chris. I lived just down the street from Chris (next to Lions park). Chris was always smiling, and laughing as we would pull pranks on each other. We had so much fun.
Maddy Baumann
April 24, 2013
I was lucky enough to work with and befriend Chris at WRAL in the late 90's. A friendship that we rekindled when I worked in Apex a couple of years ago. He was a dear soul, sweet and funny and always kind. I will miss him tremendously.
Carl Bolanz
April 23, 2013
I am a Bolanz from Akron, OH. I am very sorry for the loss, Chris must have been a great guy. My name is Carl Edward Bolanz and our immediate family was born and raised in Akron, starting with my father, also Carl. My grandfather was born in Zunzingen, Germany and was named Heinrich Otto Bolanz.
Again, I am very sorry for this very early loss.
Carl
April 23, 2013
Mary Lou, I am so sorry to see the passing of your son Chris, I remembering meeting him when he was a small boy. I am Mary Jane McFarland's oldest daughter, Susan Baker. So very sorry.
Tony Rinella
April 23, 2013
I certainly remember Chris from a long time ago since we went to school together back it the 70's and 80's. Went to some birthday parties and lions park together as Nate said below. Chris was a real likeable guy and I am always proud to hear about the service of a fellow veteran!
Tony (Ross) Rinella
Nathan Bonora
April 23, 2013
I grew up down the street from Chris and attended high school with him in Cuyahoga Falls. Memories of birthday parties and playing basketball, baseball and football in Lion's Park come to mind. God's Blessings to Chris. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
April 22, 2013
Dear Mary Lou: I am so sorry for the loss of your dear son. My prayers are with you and your family. Sandy B. Edwards
Mike Greive
April 21, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about Chris. I served with him on the USS Concord. I lived near him & Holly in Norfolk. I went to high school with Holly in Hudson. I havent been close to him since I left the Navy. He will be missed.
Laura Balinski
April 19, 2013
Mary Lou I am so sorry to hear about Chris, I met him last summer at your garage sale. He was a kind and energetic person. I will remember him forever.
Darlene Vannoy
April 19, 2013
Marylou and Family, May God be with you and your family during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family (RIP) Chris.
Liz Robinson
April 19, 2013
Dear Mary Lou,
I know your heart is heavy with the loss of Chris, but his memory will be with you forever. "When someone you love becomes a memory, The memory becomes a treasure". My prayers are with you.
Liz Robinson (Binkie)
April 18, 2013
Dear Mary Lou,
I am so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. You are a beautiful family and we had many good times together in earlier years. Please know that the McNeill Family will hold you all in prayer. God Bless!
Jim Long
April 18, 2013
Sorry to hear of Chris's passing. Have not seen him in many years. I remember Chris as being a good guy and fun to around. Bless his children, family and loved ones.
Barbara Richardson
April 18, 2013
My God give the stength to get through your loss of your son and my prays are with you and your family.
Todd DuChene
April 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Chris and his family.
JoLynn DuChene- Peters
April 18, 2013
Dear Mary Lou,
I am so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. We lost touch after high school, but I have fond memories of him. May God surround you in HIS love and light. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bolanz family.
Warmly,
JoLynn DuChene-Peters (Jody -Class of '82), Columbus, Ohio
Victoria & Todd Burdette
April 18, 2013
We are truly sorry to learn of Chris's passing. Reading the messages in this guestbook brings a smile to our faces, knowing he kept his great disposition after all these years. He was one of the nicest, funniest people we ever met. We have been honored to call him friend. Our hearts break along with you and we want you to know we are holding each of you in our hearts and praying for you during this incredible time. God bless you all.
April 17, 2013
Mary Lou,
I remember the play -Junior High for Chris- "Wash That Man Right Of My Hair", swimming in the pool-- He was so engaged with Becky & I. I hold you all dear to my heart.
Prayers and thoughts,
Renee & Logan
Jon Mitchell
April 17, 2013
I have many great memories from Junior High and High School with Chris. He was always a joy to be around and will be missed by all the people who's life's he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary Lou and your family.
Rebecca Carpenter
April 17, 2013
Mary Lou,
Praying for you. I remember swimming in the pool (daily) and he was always good to Renee and I and genuinely interested in our swimming and activities.
Mary Steurer
April 17, 2013
Dear Mary Lou,
I've read all of these wonderful tributes to Chris and the only thing that I can add is that I am glad he kept the same wonderful traits as an adult that he had as a child at St. Mary's. I am so very sorry for your loss. My you find peace in your wonderful memories.
Ketan Malde
April 16, 2013
My sympathies to Chris' Family.
I never got to meet Chris in person after all these years, but after last year's ordeals, I had hoped to soon.
God bless you my friend.
Vijya Malde
April 16, 2013
Dear Marylou,
I had the privilege to know Chris, such a pleasure as a young man, his manners & smile stayed with me.
Last year when he was in Akron, Ketan & I had talked to him.
It is a shock, and saddening that he is not with us.
Marylou, you are in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to Holly, Lea & Christopher.
Stacy Underwood
April 16, 2013
I had the honor of working with Chris for nine years at WRAL.
I always respected Chris on the job, and was lucky enough to share a few laughs with him off the clock.
My thoughts are with his family. He will be missed.
Carol Watson
April 16, 2013
I worked with Chris for several years. He was a terrific director, a funny man, and a truly nice person. He lit up when he spoke about his son and daughter. You could tell he really loved them. He will be missed.
Suzanne
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou, Holly, Lea & Chris,
Asking God to hold you all in healing light and love. There are no words of comfort that will truly help...only the memories of the wonderful man he was while he was with us. Blessings.
Don Zirkle
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou, Holly, Lea and Chris, My deepest Sympathy. Chris will be missed. We have lost a very good man. He is now in his Heavenly home to await his loved ones. He is with his Heavenly Father walking on those streets of Gold and talking with our Savior. Chris will be with you always. He lives within your heart. May the memories he has created with each of you continue to comfort and bring peace. God Bless with Love from Don and Anita Zirkle
Penny Holvey
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Valentine
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou, I am so sorry for your loss.
Leslie Boudreaux
April 16, 2013
I met Chris about 7 years ago. What struck me that day was his attentiveness to other people's well-being. He was undeniably a unique person, and I will truly miss his friendship. There was always one constant with Chris -- the fierce love for his children. I am so sorry for your profound loss.
Patty Federico
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for all the family. Chris was always so sweet and friendly when you brought him to our office on his trips to Akron. May God be with you.
Keith Hastman
April 16, 2013
Mary Lou, I am greatly saddened by this news. Please accept my familys and my condolences to you and Chris' family. You all have lost a very good person. I was fortunate to have spent so many good years with Chris. When I visit my mother, often she hears about things we did growing up together. Chris will be missed but never forgotten.
wendy hutzell
April 16, 2013
Im so. Sorry to hear about chris our hearts go out for his family. We miss him dearly
Jan Yarborough
April 15, 2013
Holly, Lea, and Chris,
Frank and I are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed seeing Chris's cheerful face at the Miracle League games. He cheered enthusiastically, and It was obvious that he loved his children!
Vicky Waters
April 15, 2013
My deepest sympathy for Chris' family and kids. I worked with Chris at WRAL years ago. He was a great professional and a joy to work with. I ran into him a few years back in a bookstore with his son. He was kind, gracious, and a great person. I am truly saddened, and will always have good memories of Chris.
Albert (Bud) & Linda Ball
April 15, 2013
Mary Lou, please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. Our hearts go out to you, Holly, Lea and Christopher during this difficult time.
Sheryl Weichbrodt
April 15, 2013
Dear Family - I bought your house on Habbot 6 years. If you would like your door knocker that has your name engraved it back I would be glad to get it to you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marta Ozisik
April 15, 2013
Dear friend Mary Lou,
We are all so sad to hear of Chris' passing.
Although it was so long ago, Chris and I shared a special connection, performing together so often throughout junior high and high school.
We were all so fond of him and send you love and sympathy as you mourn his loss.
We also send our deepest condolences to Holly, Lea and Christopher. We will always think of Chris with fond memories and love!
Marta Lijeron Ozisik and Rahmi Ozisik
Julia Lijeron and Hicham Akhrif
Janet and Hugo Lijeron
Deanna Wood
April 15, 2013
Mary Lou, our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with you and the family.
Deanna and Mickey
Sharon and family
Nancy Dodds
April 15, 2013
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Chris. I will always remember him for his great smile and warmth toward everyone he met. Most of all, I remember what a wonderful son and grandson he was to my dear friend, Mary Lou, and her mother, Molly. He will live in our hearts forever.
Denise Clark
April 15, 2013
Dear Holly, Lea & Christopher. Praying for you all during this sad time.
Leesa Moore
April 15, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Chris for the past 18 years. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed dearly by his WRAL family. Chris was a wizard at the switcher and a leader in the control room. He was also a generous teacher. But, his greatest joy in life were his children. My prayers are with Lea, Chris, and all the Bolanz family.
Ken LeMonte
April 15, 2013
Dear Mary Lou, I am so sorry for your loss.
Cynthia A. (Travis) Walters
April 15, 2013
To The Bolanz Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Hany and Nancy Shehata
April 15, 2013
We're so very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen McLaughlin
April 15, 2013
Although I only met Chris a couple times, there are two things I remember. His obvious regard for his mom, and his sense of humor the time we all went to lunch. He had a lighthearted manner and a knack for the perfect comeback that made an ordinary lunch an event. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to know him better. My prayers are with you Mary Lou.
Kathleen McLaughlin
April 15, 2013
Lea--I was so sorry to read about your Father's passing. It seemed so unexpected. Today on the noon news (WRAL) they gave a great tribute to your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Wagner (Medical Science Teacher)
Cynthia A. (Travis) Walters
April 15, 2013
Dear Mary Lou,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
April 15, 2013
Dearest Chris , Holly,Lea,Christopher, we will miss Chris forever, but he will be in hearts forever and ever. I loved him like a son. I will do everything to help watch over your mother. God bless and watch over you. Loving self adopted uncle Bill Guren.
Bill Ebner
April 15, 2013
Chris was the first true friend I made not too long after i moved to NC 7 years ago and we had stayed good friends ever since. I will always remember Chris for his warmth, generosity, friendship and humility.
Gayle Hardy
April 15, 2013
Genuine, warm, friendly, generous, funny, talented, respected. Just being around Chris was a privilege. He will surely be missed.
Mary Kelsey
April 15, 2013
Prayers to the family and friends of Chris.
Chris will be missed. I will miss laughing with him along with just visiting him.
Chris Johnson
April 15, 2013
It was an honor to work with Chris for that past 11 years. He was a great director and a better person. I will miss his great sense of humor. I admired his honesty. I want his family to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.
Celeste Billhartz
April 15, 2013
My condolences to Chris's family and friends. His mother, Mary Lou Bolanz, is a dear friend of many of us, here in Ohio. We are so sorry for your loss.
Malinda Adams
April 14, 2013
I worked with Chris at WRAL when I was there and it is hard for me to believe that he is gone. He was such a kind person and dedicated to his job and children. On one of my last visits to WRAL I got to visit with Chris for about 25 minutes. He was so happy and we talked about his kids. He was so proud of them. While I know he is in a better place, it is still hard to accpet that he is gone. I know his family and his WRAL family are grieving. We have to trust in God and know that he has a plan and for some reason he needed Chris to be with him. My prayers are with Chris, his family and WRAL.
Sherry
April 14, 2013
Dearest Chris,
You are one of the sweetest, kindest, and most thoughtful men I have had the privilege to know. You will be truly missed.You touched a lot of lives. My prayers are with your family.
Terri Overby
April 14, 2013
My prayers go out to Chris' family, friends and CBC family. I will certainly miss running into him around the station and hearing that one of a kind voice. He was always patient, genuine and kind with a quick wit. He will be missed.
Frank Yarborough
April 14, 2013
I want to send my sympathies to the Bolanz family. Chris will be missed at the Miracle League field. It was my pleasure to become acquainted with Chris over the years of coaching Chris, Jr. It was always great to see and talk to Chris. God bless you all!
Coach Frank (Pirates)
Scott Nagel
April 14, 2013
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Chris' family. He was a wonderful person, a talented and creative colleague and a dear friend to so many of us. I wish I could express just how much he meant to me and everyone fortunate enough to know him, and how heartbroken I am. He touched a lot of lives and made them so much better. I'll miss him greatly.
Crystal Woods
April 14, 2013
Chris was a great man, and a kind man. He was hilarious and genuine. He was excellent in his work, one of the best. He was a true gentleman. He will be DEARLY missed, and is greatly loved and cherished.
Shelly Leslie
April 14, 2013
To Chris' family: His WRAL family grieves with you. He was a man with a big heart, passion for his craft, and selflessness. A teacher and a friend. There is a hole in our hearts. Your family is in our prayers. May you be blessed with good memories.
Alison King
April 14, 2013
Chris, you were loved and respected. You will be sorely missed. My prayers are with your family and friends.
Kristen Stancil
April 14, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with Chris at WRAL for three years. He was funny, friendly, talented and always helpful. Chris was the director I wanted in the control room with me and his calm presence and expertise made him one of the best. He will be missed by many and WRAL won't be the same without him.
Stephanie Beck
April 14, 2013
A life well-lived that's over far too soon. Chris was an amazing talent, respected by all at WRAL, but more importantly, he was a loving father. His children have come first ever since I have known him, and I hope the two of you know that he will always be with you in your hearts. Chris will be missed.
JT Wilson
April 14, 2013
Chris you will be missed.....R.I.P.
Kevin Holmes
April 14, 2013
Chris will be missed by all in the WRAL Newsroom. He was one of the good guys. Good at his craft, good spirits, good personality and most of all, he had a good heart. I will embrace the 2 1/2 years he and I worked together and send my deepest condolences to his family
Cori Greer-Banks
April 14, 2013
Chris was an all around good guy; fun, happy, and patient. He will definitely be missed.
Jimmy Benedict
April 14, 2013
To Chris' kids Lea and Christopher: Your Dad's whole world was you two! Any time he had a chance, he talked about how great both of his kids are. It was obvious that he loves you both more than the world, and was very blessed to be your Dad!
Danny
April 14, 2013
Chris always brought happiness, fun, and a joyful presence whenever we got together. He was talented and always friendly. He will be missed.
Jennifer Joyner
April 14, 2013
To Chris's family: Please know how very much his loss is being felt at WRAL. Chris was a tremendous talent--so respected and admired for his many contributions to our newscasts and specials. But more importantly, we remember Chris for his kindness to his work family--and the many ways he offered support and encouragement to those around him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511
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