Douglas MacDowell Bosley

Douglas MacDowell Bosley, affectionately known as Doug to his friends and loved ones, was a beacon of light and a source of inspiration to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. Born on July 2, 1962, in Lakewood, Ohio, Doug embraced life with a zest that was infectious. His journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on September 29, 2025, in the comfort of his home in Somerville, MA, after a valiant battle against cancer.
Doug's formative years were spent in the halls of Horlick High School in Racine, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1980. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he excelled in Economics and Mathematics, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. Doug's thirst for knowledge and his desire to make a significant impact in the world of business drove him to further his education at Suffolk University-Sawyer Business School in Boston, where he completed his Masters of Business Administration in 1999.
Throughout his career, Doug was a titan of IT sales and business development, culminating in his role as Director of Strategic Sales at iCorps Technologies. His illustrious career also saw him excel as Strategic Account Director at Perficient, Business Development Director at McGladrey, and Sales Manager at Vitale Caturano. His early career saw him managing The Hampshire House in 1985 and charming patrons as a waiter at Toscano from 1993 to 1994.
But Doug's life was so much more than his professional accomplishments. He was a decorated swimmer and former Division One athlete in college, he conquered open waters with the same tenacity he brought to every endeavor. Doug was known for his awe-inspiring open water swims, such as the Hellespont, Boston Light, Maui Channel, and St. Croix Reef. But it was his heart, as much as his strokes, that made waves. As a tireless champion for Swim Across America, Doug raised thousands of dollars, participating in nearly 30 swims over three decades. His commitment to the cause and his team, the beloved Team Festivus, showcased his unwavering spirit and his ability to inspire and rally those around him.
Doug's larger-than-life personality shone brightest when he was the life of the party. His laughter, his stories, and his generous spirit made every gathering memorable. Yet, Doug was also a man of principle-a Statesman-who ran for State Representative with integrity and nearly won in a challenging district. His commitment to public service was mirrored in the little things he did every day. His neighbors on Gilman Terrace in
Somerville fondly dubbed him the G.N.A.T.-the Greatest Neighbor of All Time-a title he earned through his selfless acts of community service and a testament to his unwavering dedication to street governance, from clearing sewage drains to ensuring the neighborhood's pristine appearance free of graffiti tags and dog waste.
At home, Doug's heart belonged to his beloved wife, Laura Lipcsei Bosley, his best friend Heather Barna, and his cherished dog Jersey and dog friend Buzzard. His brothers, Jim and Mark Bosley, along with their wives Debbie and Brenda, and his nephews James, Bennett, and Stephen, knew him as a pillar of love and support.
Doug was the epitome of a life well-lived. His humor, intelligence, and generosity were the hallmarks of his character. Doug was generous beyond measure, often host to many a friend, so much so that his house on Mount Gilman had a revolving door and eventually became known as a halfway house for the recently divorced men, a home where the bar was always open for a second cocktail and where you were sure to be 'overserved'.
Doug sought out life's adventures with a zest and curiosity that was contagious. Doug was an avid traveler, exploring the world with his partner Laura, visiting museums and archaeological sites across Europe (Italy and Greece were favorites) as well as travel to the Caribbean to St. Martin and St. Croix, to name a few. Doug was a gourmand and connoisseur of fine food and wine, frequenting the best restaurants in great cities. He was a visionary builder, renovating his home in Somerville to renewed glory and helping to build Laura's life long dream of a cottage on Lake Manitouwabing near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. Doug was truly a renaissance man with a passionate intellect for world history, geology, and fine art.
Doug MacDowell Bosley's legacy is not just in the accomplishments he achieved but in the countless lives he touched and the joy he spread. Doug's life is a reminder that the human spirit can thrive, uplift and make waves that ripple through the lives of others, creating a legacy that endures. Let us celebrate Doug, not with a whisper, but with the roar of the waves he so loved to conquer. With love and pride. A gathering to celebrate Doug will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Swim Across America, funding cancer research and patient programs. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas, please visit our floral store.