Richard W. Bolen

Richard W. Bolen

Former Resident of Martinez

June 27, 1940 - October 21, 2021

Richard “Dick” W. Bolen passed away on October 21, 2021.  Dick was born in Nebraska to Ivan and Irma Bolen, and raised with his siblings Shirley, Marilyn, Donald and Linda.  His family later moved to California and he graduated from Albany High School in 1958.  He served in the Air Force Reserve and received his AA degree from Contra Costa College.

Dick married Sharon Cooper in 1962.  Their children Steven and Laurie followed soon after.  Dick worked at the Albany Theater and Amerio’s Drug Store in El Cerrito, and even became an Arthur Murray dance instructor.  In 1968 he joined the Richmond Fire Department where he worked until his retirement.  Later, he worked at various self-storage facilities to keep busy and meet new people.

Dick and his family moved to Martinez in 1975 where he spent most of his life.  He loved living in Martinez and being a part of the community.  He and his family would spend vacations camping throughout the United States, and later in life, he and Sharon enjoyed traveling the world on cruise ships.  They also kept a vacation home in Grass Valley that they loved to visit.  He was an excellent singer, enjoyed everything Sharon cooked and baked for him, and dearly loved his family, especially his five grandchildren.

Dick was predeceased by his parents and sister Marilyn.  He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children, Steven (Kerry) and Laurie Panian, his sisters Shirley and Linda, and brother Donald.  He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Grace and Caroline Bolen, and Gabby, Cole and Samantha Panian. 

Funeral services will be private.  The family would like to thank the staff of Carlton Senior Living in downtown Pleasant Hill and Hospice of the East Bay for their patient care in Dick’s final months.  In lieu of flowers, consider donations in Dick’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the East Bay.

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