Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Bolus Obituary
He leaves behind his loving family who will miss him tremen-dously, His wife, Kathleen (Wiandt) whom he married on June 23, 1966; daughter, Christine Bolus-Reichert (Aaron) of Toronto, Canada; son, John Michael Bolus (Isabel) of Kent; daughter, Elizabeth Upchurch (Todd) of Athens, Ga.; his beloved grandchildren, Katie Grace (11) and Mack (9) Upchurch, Zoe Reichert (9), and Nico Bolus (20 months); he is also survived by his sisters, Maria and Leila; and several nephew and nieces in Syria.
Michael was born in Safita, Syria on August 10, 1941 to the late Charles and Katherine Bolus. A dual citizen at birth, he came to the United States in 1959 at age 18, alone, penniless, with just a few words of English, determined to make good on his American citizenship. He went on to earn a BS in Mathematics from Kent State University in 1966 and a Master's degree from John Carroll in 1971.
Michael was a career educator. He began his teaching career in 1966 at St. Vincent High School, but spent the majority of his 37 years as the mathematics department chair at Field High School. Beginning in 1978, he also taught 34 years as a part-time mathematics instructor at the University of Akron. He completed his final semester in the fall of 2011, after being diagnosed with cancer. Although he never sought out attention or honors, Michael was often recognized for his excellence in teaching, most notably when he received the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Part-Time Teaching Award at the University of Akron in 2003.
The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care Michael received at the University Hospitals, particularly from Dr. Kevin Lie and Dr. Cheng Chee. The compassionate and competent hospice nurses from the Akron General Nursing Service provided quality care at a very difficult time.
Calling hours are on Tuesday, May 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Hartville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 29th 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Route 619) in Uniontown with Father John Zapp celebrant. Interment will be in Sandy Valley Cemetery in Waynesburg. Arnold, Hartville, 330-877-9364 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bolus
Joshua Ballinger
May 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bolus Family. Mr. Bolus was a great calculus teacher and certainly a highlight of high school. He also had extra time to provide the extra help to make sure his students were successful.
Joshua Ballinger
FHS '93
Miami '98
Stan Darrah
May 27, 2013
I am a former student of Mr. Bolus too. Like others have written, Mr. Bolus inspired me to become a high school Math teacher. He was a kind, caring, compassionate taecher. He never used degrading remarks, just positive and uplifting words would come from him. He always treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He would take the time to talk to his students as if they were each his best friend. He is without a doubt the best Math teacher I have ever known, but he taught us so much more than Math. Through our many talks, he taught us life long lessons.I find myself talking about Mr. Bolus in my classroom on a regular basis. My favorite quote being "Mathematics is not a spectator sport" Mr. Bolus you made a difference in the lives of so many, well done good and faithful servant!
Laurie McCourt (Staschak)
May 27, 2013
Mr. Bolus had a true love of math, but more importantly his students. He was so patient with all of his students and really exemplified what it meant to be a teacher. I remember him with a smile :)!
Roger Wiandt
May 27, 2013
This amazing man and outstanding educator was above all a wonderful humanitarian. He cared so much about the success of his students he always made himself available to help them understand. At the University of Akron he would arrive an hour before class and stay late to help those who needed it. His legacy lives on for generations in the lives and careers of thousands of students impacted by his excellence in teaching. He was also an exemplary family man - a loving husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather - he will be deeply missed by his family as well as his many students. I am honored to have known him, and proud to call Mike my brother-in-law.
Brian Downey
May 26, 2013
My sympathies to the Bolus family. I remember Mr. Bolus as one of the most gentle and kind people I ever met at Field H.S. or anywhere else. He made Calculus fun and intelligible for me, so much so, i chose Math as my college major..... May God Bless your Family.
Brian Downey
FHS 83'
BGSU, B.S., Mathematics 87'
Mary Spear
May 26, 2013
I offer my deepest sympathy to Kathy and family. Kathy often mentioned Mike in the most loving way during the years we taught together. I know that he was devoted to his family and his teaching. What an honor it must be to have had him as husband, father, grandfather , and teacher!
Chuck Veppert
May 25, 2013
One of the real "teachers" I had in High School. He sincerely cared about his students and would do whatever it took to get you to learn. I have done well in life because of a handful of teachers like Mr. Bolus.
Lisa (Morgan) Dunton
May 25, 2013
It was an honor to learn math from Mr. Bolus. He was one of the best teachers--of any subject--at Field. So thoughtful and compassionate. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Your neighbor, Michele
May 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Bolus family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sorrow.
Jack Cooper
May 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bolus family. Mr. Bolus was one of the kindest and most compassionate teachers I had the honor to learn from. His love for math and the teaching profession was contagious. His example and that of several other teachers is a big reason why I chose to become a teacher, with the hope that I could touch and change the lives of students just as he had. Thank you Mr. Bolus for your inspiration.
Alexis Shuler
May 24, 2013
Mr. Bolus was my calculus teacher at UA. He made math seem easy and was always willing to help you learn. He was truly a gifted math teacher and will be missed.
Valerie (Fritz) McQuain
May 24, 2013
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bolus. He was a kind man who was generous with his time in helping students learn. I think of him often as I now teach high school math and I will never forget him saying "Valerie and company" when we were a little too chatty. :) He was an incredible role model and family man, and I know he will be sorely missed.
Maria (Tosenberger) Schneider
May 24, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Bolus' family. He was one of the kindest teachers I had during high school or college, and always had the best interest of his students at heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Deanna Calvin
May 24, 2013
Mr. Bolus was my high school pre-calc teacher. He was very kind to me at a very difficult point in my life. I will always remember him as a kind and caring person.
CHRIS HAYMOND
May 24, 2013
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS
Stefanie Shatrich UofAkron
May 24, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Bolus' passing. May his memory be eternal.
Tony Bisesi
May 24, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this fine man. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Bolus for math at St. V. He was always in a good mood and always had a smile on his face. He was a great teacher - very kind, very caring, and had a great rapport with his students. He will make a wonderful Guardian Angel.
Tony Bisesi, St. V Class of 1972
Mark Swindell
May 24, 2013
Very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Please know that Mr. Bolus had a big impact on my life and many other students. He was my inspiration for becoming a high school math teacher. I think of him many times while I am in front of my own students.
Dawn Stayer Corall
May 24, 2013
I'm so sorry for the loss of Mr. Bolus. He was a truly gifted teacher -- much loved by his students at Field High. Kind, patient, helpful, inspiring, beautiful smile. I always looked forward to his class. He put you at ease and helped you until you 'got it'. Sincere sympathy to his family.
Peggy Dickerhoff-Coyne
May 23, 2013
As I have helped my sons with math classes I have often shared stories about the lessons I learned from Mr. Bolus in pre-calc and computer math. I am so glad that he decided to teach. Please know that your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss.
May 23, 2013
Kathy,
I'm sorry about Mike. I'm glad I got to see him recently. If you need anything or my help, let me know.
John Lauersdorf
May 23, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of such a great teacher! Mr. Bolus' was hands down the best math class I've ever had. Warm wishes to his family.
Will Mars
May 23, 2013
Mr. Bolus was my pre-calc teacher in high school. He really inspired me with a love of math, and I have always remembered him fondly. He surely has touched many of us with his gifts.
May 23, 2013
To Kathleen and family,
We love Mike and cherished his friendship. We will miss his gentle spirit, positive attitude, love of family and life. With our deepest sympathy at your great loss. Love, Catherine (John) Wiandt and families.
A visit to Catherine (John) Wiandt's
Catherine Wiandt
May 23, 2013
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Bolus's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Bolus
How to support Michael'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
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Bolus'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
