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Benjamin Bolton Obituary
1980 - 2015
GARDINER - Benjamin "Ben" P. Bolton passed away at his home on Sept. 18, 2015. Ben was born on March 6, 1980, and grew up in Averill Park in upstate New York where he attended Averill Park High School and then earned an associates degree at Hudson Valley Community College. While pursuing his education, Ben managed Fratello's Pizzeria and was a line cook for Cracker Barrel.
Then a call to serve his country tugged on his heart and Ben joined the United States Marine Corps on May 29, 2001. Soon after completing his Military Occupational Specialty School Aviation Information Systems Department (AISD) training in Athens, Ga., he was stationed at MCAS Futenma Okinawa Japan from March 2002 to February 2005. During that service time in 2005, Ben was deployed as first response to the tsunami relief conducted by the USS Ft. McHenry. Along with Navy personnel he helped establish networks and satellite communications and worked alongside foreign troops in cleanup, distribution of supplies and aid to those in need. His active duty concluded in MCAS New River Jacksonville, N.C., where he continued overseeing communications servers used for aircraft and supplies and also held an additional Military Occupational Specialty of Weapons Instructor. Ben achieved the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged from active service in May 2006.
Ben's love of the outdoors, people and cars seemed to lead him in the direction of Maine and naturally into a salesman's position. For five years he worked with the Lee Auto Group in Augusta expertly matching customer needs with the perfect car.
Everyone who knew Ben can attest to his quick sense of humor, contagious giggle and engaging smile. He truly enjoyed people and always managed to have fun with whatever task was at hand. He played a lot of hockey growing up and enjoyed fishing and camping. But the love of his life was his children, Connor and Ryleigh. He considered it an honor to be their "Dad" and treasured them as his greatest blessings.
Surviving Ben are his parents, Pastor Peter and Florence Bolton; his children, Connor and Ryleigh; his sister Amy Merhige, her husband Peter and their children Peter Jr., Joseph, Elizabeth and Thomas; his companion, Courtney Eck; uncles, aunts; many wonderful cousins; and numerous priceless friends.
Calling hours will be held Oct. 2, 2015, at Staples Funeral Service, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by a brief service with military honors.
In lieu of flowers,
contributions to the
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
National Gift Processing Center
PO Box 25845
LeHigh Valley, Pa. 18002
would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Bolton
Sponsored by Lester H Botkin.
Natalie
January 2, 2018
I just happened to Google Ben's name over the weekend and am heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was a ray of light, sweet as can be and one of the funniest light hearted people I've ever encountered. The world must have gotten a little dimmer when he left it.
Lester Botkin
January 5, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss, and so sad to hear about Ben's passing. I didn't know Ben well, and haven't seen him in 15 years, but we shared what are certainly some of my most difficult months, together. I was looking through a couple of old boxes this morning, and found my Parris Island "yearbook". I was looking through the old platoon photos and decided to search for one of the only guys I remembered from my time there - my bunkmate, Ben (or Recruit Bolton as I remember him!). He was without a doubt the kindest person in the platoon, and I was lucky to get to spend about 90% of my time on the island side-by-side with him.
My sincere condolences, and God Bless Ben and his family.
Denise Rossi
October 20, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ben - my prayers go to his wonderful family. May God keep you all in the palm of his hand.
October 20, 2015
Rest peaceful Ben
kim Malinski
October 20, 2015
Ben..I am so sorry I missed saying see you another day". May you rest in peace.
Eva (Rogers) Broome
October 20, 2015
"Ben, I will always remember your brilliant smile. Rest in Peace. Semper Fi."
Lynn Bearup
October 19, 2015
Florie,
Losing a child...no matter what age...has to be the most heart-breaking loss of all. I fondly remember our conversations about Ben and the rest of our kids and grand-kids at coffee-break when we worked together several years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family during this difficult time.
Andrew Paige
October 17, 2015
Ben was awesome. He loved everything especially his yellow corvette back in the day. He wore a American flag on his back. I am so sad that for his children and for America. He was a gem and will never be forgotten.
Michael
October 17, 2015
I used to work with him at Fratellos pizzeria and will always remember to great time we had working together and all the laughs. Thought are with his family and especially his kids.
Jeanne Mastin
October 16, 2015
Pete, Flo and Family,
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Ben. Please know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Hugs to you all.
Joanne Baronner
October 16, 2015
My deepest condolences. Like many others, I have been praying for Ben. There is comfort knowing that Ben's suffering has finally ended, and he is with the Lord. I have nice memories of when he brought Connor to Florie's office to visit. There definitely was a joyful pride on Ben's face for his sweet little boy. The obituary is quite loving and beautiful. My sympathies to the entire family. Sincerely, Joanne Baronner
Tammy Nadeau
October 9, 2015
I had the honor of meeting Ben at the V.A at Togus. He was inspirational. always prayed he would be just fine. To his parents god bless you and his children
Leroy Little
October 7, 2015
Ben, was a co-worker and a good man. He will be missed. My family offers prayers and our condolences at this time of grief.
VBK
October 4, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Ben's family and friends. The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness when we lose someone we love to death, especially someone so young, can be unbearable. Please know that our heavenly Father knows the depth of your sorrow and he can provide comfort to help you cope during such difficult times. The greatest parent in the universe promises at Hosea 13:14 to empty the grave and redeem our loved ones from death. May this comforting promise bring you a measure of peace knowing you will see him again.
Julie Gushee
October 1, 2015
It was an honor to take care of Ben at Togus. I will miss his humor and smile. I am glad to have met his parents and will be praying for them and the family.
Julie Gushee
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