THE MOST REVEREND JOHN P. BOLES
THE MOST REVEREND JOHN P. BOLES
Obituary
Guest Book
THE MOST REVEREND JOHN BOLES Obituary
Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Boston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Bishop Boles was widely known as a skilled listener and thoughtful counselor, connecting and advising individuals across a span of generations. He provided steady leadership, both as a pastor and committed educator, the two intertwined themes of his life. His bonds with the communities he served were extensive and meaningful as evidenced by the fact that there are numerous families across the region for whom he officiated at multiple generations of baptisms, first communions, marriages, and funerals. He was predeceased, on June 7, 2014, by his beloved sister, Mary Boles O'Connor. He is survived by his cousins, Harry Brett and his wife Lucille of Braintree, Peg Brett McCobb of Weymouth, Mary McCarthy and her husband Robert of Quincy, William Brett and his wife Virginia of Hingham, James Brett and his wife Patricia of Dorchester. He also leaves his cousins, Thomas Mulhern, Padraic Kilroy and Reverend John Boles of Peru as well as his sister's three step-children, Joseph, Anne and James O'Connor. Bishop Boles will lie in state on Tuesday, Oct. 14th in the Regina Cleri, Boston, from 2:00- 4:00 PM. and on Wednesday Oct. 15th in St. Paul Church, Cambridge from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16th at 11 am, at St. Paul Church Bow & Arrow Streets Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Regina Cleri Residence, home for retired priests of the Archdiocese of Boston, 60 Cardinal William O'Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114. Interment in St Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Please visit online guest book at:
www.brownandhickey.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thompson and Elaine (nee Costello) Potter
November 23, 2023
Father Boles married us 37 years ago. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May almighty God bless us with his peace and strength, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Joan D'Arcy Sheridan
October 5, 2019
I did not realize we were close to Bishop Boles' anniversary but I was just thinking of him yesterday and also his sister Mary. Our families were very close growing up and I have many memories. When my son was graduating from Harvard in 1990, he gave us his parking space. He said it was in memory of his mother.
Patricia
October 18, 2014
My sincerest sympathy to the Brett Family on the passing of my "Friendly Bishop." His kindness, warmth, love, and laughter will always be remembered. I have no doubt this servant of the Lord is right beside Him watching over all of us. Rest in peace my dear Bishop Boles...rest in peace for a 'job' well done. You will be missed.
October 16, 2014
Paul McDermott-
Father Boles was headmaster of St. Sebastian's C.D.S.where I gratuated from in 1969. Those were turbulent years for me and Father being a very kind and generous soul came to my aid on several occassions. I will never forget him. Requiescat in pace, Father Boles and thanks.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jim Linnehan
October 15, 2014
Bishop Boles, may you rest in eternal peace, knowing that you have served the Lord so very well. St. John Chrysostom Parish was wonderfully blessed with your presence at Confirmations. May you enjoy being forever reunited with your loving and devoted sister Mary, our dear friend. Kindest sympathies to the Brett family.
October 14, 2014
In 1942 John and I graduated together from St. Patrick School in Roxbury. I'll remember him in my prayers along with the many other deceased members of our class. Frank McLaughlin
October 14, 2014
Both would later become auxiliary bishops of Boston.
Bishop D'Arcy bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend
in 1985
February 3, 1955 Father Boles blessing John D'Arcy
October 14, 2014
February 3, 1955 Father Boles blessing John D'Arcy the day after his ordination
Mary Phyllis Engel
October 14, 2014
Bishop Boles was an amazing man. I lived upstairs in his parents house on Presentation Road in Brighton when I was very young-he was so kind. He was also a great friend and classmate with my Uncle Jack Murray at Presentaion school and BC-he will truly be missed but I know he is in a great place with the Lord-Mary Phyllis Engel
Mary O'Brien Boudreau
October 13, 2014
I have many warm memories of Bishop Boles from Mass at St. Paul's church in Cambridge. My fondest memory is his kindness in making a personal visit to my uncle's home on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Uncle Pat couldn't have received a more wonderful gift. May you both rest in the peace of Christ.
Anne D'Arcy, C.S.J.
October 13, 2014
A good and holy priest and bishop has gone to God. It was his dear mother who introduced my parents many years ago. Now their 2 bishop sons are united with those they love and with God they served so well,
He leaves us with blessed memories of many years.
Marlene O'Brien
October 13, 2014
God blessed the communities of St. Paul and Harvard with the wise guidance and wit of John Boles. He touched three generations of our family. May he rest in peace.
October 13, 2014
I am sure Father John is with the Lord, a nice, kind priest, sympathy for the Brett family.
Bonnie Granat
October 13, 2014
Bishop Boles was a great servant of God. He was loved and will be missed -- he has been missed since he left St. Paul's. He was instrumental in my early days as a Catholic in 1982, and I will always be grateful for having been blessed by his wisdom, his humor, and his ability to communicate the love of God over the years. May he rest in the arms of the Lord after a job well done. Thank you, Father Boles.
Eileen Morrell
October 12, 2014
Rest in Peace Bishop Boles, fond memories of you at St. Paul's and the Harvard Club of Boston and of course St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham !
Liz Estler
October 12, 2014
I remember your kindness and gentleness when you came to our parish for Confirmation. May the Lord now welcome you into Paradise. Please pray for us.
Donald A MacMillan, SJ
October 11, 2014
May you rest in the peace of the Lord whom you knew and served so well and so faithfully. You were an extraordinary priest and bishop. Thank you for your kindness and fatherly care. Please continue to pray for us.
Maureen and Richard Santoro
October 11, 2014
Sharing in your sorrow and offering heartfelt sympathy.
Michael Sullivan
October 11, 2014
To Bishop Boles's Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
The Bishop had a tremendous impact on the parishioners of St Paul's. He truly followed the teaching of Christ as he ministered and cared for those in need. We have great memories of him in Cambridge.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Marion, Michael and Denise Sullivan
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
36 Trapelo Rd., Belmont, MA 02478
Make a Donation
in THE MOST REVEREND JOHN BOLES's name
How to support THE MOST REVEREND JOHN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor THE MOST REVEREND JOHN BOLES's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
