Thomas Patrick Boland

Thomas Patrick Boland, 81, of Freeport, IL passed away on December 25, 2013. Thomas was born on July 28, 1932 to Charles and Eileen (Hoffman) Boland. He attended Aquin High School in Freeport. Married Carol (Knauff) Boland May 10, 1952. Carol predeceased Thomas on October 24, 1992 . He later remarried Lois (Frederick) Boland on May 22, 1999. Lois predeceased Thomas on July 10, 2008. Thomas started at Micro Switch shortly after high school. He held many positions from line worker to superintendent. His many years of dedication included positions in Mars Hill NC, El Paso, TX, Los Cruces, NM and Juarez, Mexico. He was very proud of his career at Microswitch retiring in 1994 after 42 years. He also refereed for the IHSA football and basketball leagues. After his retirement he enjoyed morning coffee with his cronies at the golf course. Thomas was an active member of St Thomas Aquinas Church in Freeport, Il where he helped with the Adoration chapel. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and booster club member for Aquin High School. Thomas was a huge sports fan, especially loyal to the Green Bay Packers, Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame. Thomas enjoyed his annual family summer vacations at the lake. Survivors include children, Maureen (Tom) Fitzgerald, Patricia (Larry) Griesman, Michael Boland and Kathleen (Steven) McLeese. Grandchildren, Meighan Fitzgerald, Lindsey (Scott) Dornbush, Patrick (Julie) Fitzgerald, Erin (Derek) Kiley, Timothy (Michelle Anderson) Griesman, Sean Boland, Michael (Alicjia Seweryniak) Fitzgerald, Caroline McLeese, Raymond McLeese. 7 great grandchildren, Taylor and Riley Dornbush, Aidan, Austen, and Avery Fitzgerald, Carter Boland and Layla Kiley; Brothers and sisters, Gerald Boland, Richard (Phyllis) Boland, Joan (Clyde) Farrow, Margaret Walton; many nieces and nephews; step-children, Mark (Marilyn) Frederick, Suzanne (Kary) Langer and Julie (Neil) Friedli. Daughter in laws, Barb Kammerer and Deb Boland. Step Grandchildren Matt, Blake, and Rob Lotzer. Family friend Jessie Mancillas. He was predeceased by his parents, and wives Carol and Lois. The family would like to thank the staff at Lincolnshire for their care and kindness.
Funeral Mass 11 am Monday, December 30, 2013 at ST. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwannis Drive, Freeport, Il 61032 with Fr. Kenneth Anderson officiating. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Il 61108. Visitation will continue from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2013 at Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Aquin High School.