Obituaries

Dr. Nicholas Charles “Charlie” Bolgiano, 92

September 04, 2016

Dr. Nicholas Charles “Charlie” Bolgiano of Lancaster, PA peacefully passed away on September 4, 2016 at St. Anne’s Nursing Home in Columbia, PA in his 93rd year. He was the son of the late J. Walton Bolgiano and Chloe C. Burke Bolgiano. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and spent his early years with his family on a farm near Shawan in Baltimore County in the middle of hunt country. He enjoyed horseback riding, competing and was a jockey in the 1938 Maryland Grand National Steeplechase. Later, when the family moved to Kent Island, he came to love the Eastern Shore lifestyle and the outdoor pursuits of duck and goose hunting and fishing.
He is a descendent and namesake of some of Maryland’s earliest colonial settlers including a Colonel in the American Revolution, a Captain in the War of 1812 , a Captain in the Civil War, and a grandson of the former Circuit Court Judge and prominent Towson citizen, Judge Nicholas Charles Burke.
He graduated from Loyola HS and Loyola College in Baltimore and immediately thereafter joined the Marine Corps and served our country from 1944-46 during WWII. He was discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant while serving aboard the USS Reina Mercedes stationed at the US Naval Academy.
He went on to The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and received a MS Degree in Chemistry and then a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland. In 1954, he joined the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in Pittsburgh as a Research Fellow for the Koppers Co.
In 1956, he joined Armstrong Cork Company in Lancaster, PA as a Research Chemist. He was employed there for 32 years before retiring in 1989 as a Senior Research Scientist. While at Armstrong, he was granted 16 patents and in the 1986, The President’s Award was bestowed upon him in recognition of his scientific contributions and new product developments in floor coatings (Ultra Violet Light Cured and Water Based Floor Coatings).
He was a Charter Member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Rohrerstown, PA. In 1968, he received the Leo Award for his dedication to the church, for his skills in organizing the Christmas tree and Festival events, and for his help in establishing the first church council. He was man of deep faith and Christian values.
He was the Republican Committeeman for 16 years for Rohrerstown North District of Lancaster County and active in politics on the local and state level.
In his retirement, he started a grass-roots organization to “Take Back Pennsylvania.” He was a five year President of the Unified Sportsman of Pennsylvania. As a Pro Bono Lobbyist, he was frequently in Harrisburg lobbying for the USP. In 1992, he received a commendation from Governor Robert P. Casey for services rendered and the same year, the Gold Medal Award from the PA State Fish and Game Protective Association for many years of distinguished service. Mr. Bolgiano received the Conservation Award by the PA State Commission for contributions in wildlife management including a new deer management system that provided private land owners with adequate doe harvest permits to limit crop damage.
Mr. Bolgiano enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and going to the family camp in Juniata County but his biggest enjoyment came from being with his family. He and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Murray Bolgiano were married for 64 years and together raised 8 children. He kept up with his family, some living in other countries, via email and for someone who wasn’t born into the digital age, he was persistent in learning to use the computer.
He will always be remembered as a person who could converse with intelligence on many topics, and a person with high moral standards and a positive attitude. He was caring and generous and if he felt you could benefit from his assistance, he was quick to assist. He lived his life well and was an inspiration to all those survive him. He will be dearly missed by his family including his children: Mary Denton (David) of Jarrettsville, MD); Nicholas Charles Bolgiano, Jr. (Betsy Manlove) of State College, PA; Frances Bolgiano Bidwell (Andy Miller) of Ashtead, England; Daniel Bolgiano (Laura) of Reisterstown, MD; Barbara Bolgiano of St. Albans, England; Margaret “Peggy” Bolgiano Fischer (Timothy) of Sparta, NJ; William Bolgiano of Lancaster, and Carolyn Capistrano of King of Prussia. He was known as “Pop” and beloved by his 16 grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his siblings: Dr. Chloe Bolgiano Ulshafer, Joseph Walton Bolgiano, Jr. and John H. Bolgiano. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his entry into eternal life at St. Leo the Great Parish, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 10, 2016 with The Very Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ulshafer, Jr. as Celebrant and Deacon Richard Bolgiano, both nephews of Charlie. A viewing will be held prior to Mass from 9am-10:30am. Interment will follow Mass with Military Honors in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania, 340 Hilltop Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579 or to St. Leo the Great Parish, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Hospice & Community Care 685 Good Dr. PO Box 4125 Lancaster, PA, 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

September 14, 2016

To all my Bolgiano cousins, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed seeing him and talking with him at the reunions at Patsy’s. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Huff

September 14, 2016

Dear Bolgiano Family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Charlie. What a remarkable human being with many talents! He did so much good during his time on Earth, and I am confident he is watching over you all with love. He is in our maker’s hands now – there can be no greater consolation than that. I am sure you all will carry on his faith, spirit and love wherever you go.
Jackie Hetzler

September 13, 2016

Some will be remembered for what they said. Others will be remembered for what they did. The special will be remembered for who they were. God bless you, Charlie. You were special. Jim Slinsky

September 10, 2016

To the Bolgiano family and especially to our friends Peggy and Tim Fischer, we want to offer our sincerest sympathy on the death of Mr. Bolgiano. Although we didn’t know him personally, we heard many great things about him through our very dear friends, Carole and Bob Fischer. We are so sorry for your loss and you all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time for your family. May God be with all of you and give you comfort knowing he has gone to his eternal rest.

September 09, 2016

My deep condolences to the Bolgiano Family. I will remember Charlie for all the kind things he did for my family, for his interesting conversations, and I will certainly miss his delicious home grown tomatoes! – Valarie Hetzler

September 07, 2016

On behalf of the Sellers Family I would like to offer our condolences to the Bolgiano family. We will be praying for your strength and peace in the days ahead. Charlie was a true and cherished friend of my father, Ivan Sellers. My father enjoyed working with Charlie at Armstrong and enjoyed their hunting excersions together. I always enjoyed listening to Charlie’s stories of his younger years on the Eastern Shore as well as his hunting exploits. Charlie was there for my father on his darkest day, 5/26/2001, when my brother passed away in an auto accident, on his way to meet us in Potter County. For Charlie’s freindship, strength, wisdom and compassion during that time we are forever gratefull. We are thankful that you shared this remarkable man with us.
Duane Sellers

September 07, 2016

To the Bolgiano Family, you have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. It is always so hard to lose a parent and just the past few years I found out how hard i6 to lose a spouse. Charlie, you were loved dearly. I don’t know many of your family, but the few that I do know were shining examples of your love for them. I am sure they have all experienced your love without end. I know and love especially your daughter Peggy and she is a jewel in your crown as are the rest of your children. Your wife Betty has always been a sweet dear lady who gives of herself selflessly to her family. You are missed. You will live on in their wonderful memories of you and their mother. An old friend of yours, my sister Carole Fischer always said “when you entered this world you entered with some real lcrying while the whole world smiled. When you left this world it was with a smile on your lips and the whole world cried. Rest in peace sweet Charly. In Jesus precious holy name… Amen.

September 07, 2016

Charlie, you were a true champion for the outdoor sportsmen of Pennsylvania. Your hard work, knowledge, and approach were very effective and served as excellent guidance to all of us. You were an honest, caring, and thoughtful man. I am honored that you and I were able to spend time together and understand each other. Yes, you were quite an inspiration for me and I will always be affected by the guidance that you provided. You’ll never be forgotten. Many of us will try hard to continue your agenda, to the best of our ability, for the betterment of outdoor sports in Pennsylvania. God bless you. May you rest in peace.
Bill Miller

September 07, 2016

There will always be a special place in my heart for “Pop”. Throughout the years that I’ve known and loved him, he always made me smile. I would call over to the house when Laura and Danny were there (Laura’s my twin), and he would light up saying, “Oh hi Betsy,” and we’d chat for a bit. I have missed you for a while now, and will continue to miss you Pop. But I will see you again for sure. My sincerest sympathy for all of you Bolgianos and you families. With much, much love, Betsy

September 06, 2016

We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad..
He was a great man..
love & prayers
Bèrnie & Dick mickle

September 06, 2016

Pop we loved you so much and miss you terribly. You gave me some of the best experiences in my life – the epic camping trips out West, Canada, Maine, Outer Banks along with summer vacations in OCMD and an amazing tour of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. You understood my love of animals and let me raise ducks when I was a kid. You taught me how to fish and how to shoot a gun when I was You arranged for me to take western horse back riding lessons – which is still one of the highlights of my life. You were generous and helpful and very very forgiving. You loved us all unconditionally and when we made mistakes, you didn’t dwell on them – you forgave us quickly and supported us 100%. You supported me 100% without fail – thru thick and thin – you never judged me or criticized me. You were a wonderful grandfather to my sons and they have great stories to tell about you. You were legendary Pop and I am so fortunate my sons have had you as a role model.
You suffered so much the past 15 months and yet you were always thinking of Mom. Always put her first. Watching how you gazed lovingly at her and held her hand and told she was the prettiest thing you ever saw was a beautiful gift to witness.
Saying thank you for everything you’ve done for me is inadequate but there are no adequate words. I know you are flying free and exploring the beauty of heaven and I know there’s a beautiful cabin in the woods for you there with a sparkling creek and hemlock trees. You said you would always save us a seat and we are counting on it. Love you always and forever, Carol

September 06, 2016

We wish your entire family the very best. It is so hard to lose someone so close. Your Dad lived a good full life and left all of you to continue in his footsteps. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Visitation: Saturday, September 10, 2016; 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Ave; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, September 10, 2016; 10:30 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Ave; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >