Jeremiah Murphy "Jerry" Boland

COL. JEREMIAH MURPHY BOLAND, USAF (RETIRED)
Jeremiah Murphy "Jerry" Boland was born on Oct. 6, 1917 in Decatur, Illinois to John E. and Alvina Struber Boland. He was one of eleven children. Jerry lived there until he ventured to California in 1940. In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corp and spent part of his training locally at Hancock Field. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant and was selected to fly P-51 fighter aircraft. In 1943, his unit was sent to England. On the eve of D-Day he escorted gliders into France. After WWII he flew the Berlin Airlift. He was highly decorated for his many missions in WWII. Throughout his Air Force career, he flew various other aircraft including B-47's, B-52's and KC-135's. Jerry was sent to the Pacific Command in Hawaii as Senior SAC Liaison to Admiral John McCain's staff during the Vietnam War. In December 1971, Col. Boland retired after 30 years of service in the USAF. He soon began a new career for nearly two decades as the Director of the Santa Maria Vocational Training Center for developmentally disabled adults. Jerry was a tireless community advocate and volunteer. His work included various boards such as: Red cross, Food Bank, Central Coast Literacy Council, Santa Maria Employers Advocacy Group, United Way, Santa Maria Association for the Retarded and established the VTC Foundation Thrift Store. Jerry was a lifelong tennis player. He treasured the camaraderie of his tennis mates. He was a member of the Santa Maria Valley Tennis club for more than 30 years. Jerry graduated from the University of Omaha and received his Master's degree from the University of Hawaii.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Delaney, their six children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
He was a member of St. Louis de Montfort Parish.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be recited Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 East Stowell Rd., Santa Maria. Mass of Christian Burial in his honor will be celebrated at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at St. Louis de Montfort Church, 1190 East Clark Ave., Santa Maria. A reception will follow at the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vocational Training Center, 928-5000 or to St. Louis de Montfort School Fund, 937-5571. For further information please contact Diane Waytashek at 934-1172.
Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.