D. Cletus ‘Clete’ Bolan passed on peacefully in his sleep on September 11, 2021. Clete was the cherished husband of Frances Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ Bolan with whom he shared 57 years of love and adventures. Father of Nancy E. Bolan (m. to Scott P. Campbell, 1999) and Claire M. Bolan (m. to Paul McNeice, 2016), Clete’s other great loves and joy were his three Bolan-Campbell granddaughters: LilyClaire, Julia, and Sophie. Clete was the mastermind and driving force behind innumerable family escapades spanning from Egypt to Croatia to Italy to South Africa and more.
Clete was a devoted lover of the arts, sports, food, and Nantucket Island where he and Gwen spent many summers sharing their many blessings with family and friends.
Clete was born on March 24th 1939 to William and Mary Bolan in Astoria, Queens where he was a regular parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Caramel Church. He attended Rice High School in Harlem, and Iona College in New Rochelle (‘60). Clete joined the Christian Brothers in 1958 and later served in the US Army Reserves in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Clete spent his professional life as a manager with Agfa -Gevaert until 1994. Clete was pre-deceased by his older brother, William E. Bolan.
In Lieu of Flowers Contributions in Cletus’ memory may be made to either of the following:
1. Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo..)
Wildlife Conservation Society
Attention: Global Resources
2300 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10460
260 Wilmot Road
New Rochelle, New York 10804
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Kevin McTigue says
September 14, 2021 at 10:45 pmMay his memory be a blessing to his family, and may his soul be elevated.
Joe Webb says
September 17, 2021 at 7:24 amOur paths crossed so briefly, so many years ago, but we had much laughter about the incongruities of life and the plodding bureaucracy of daily business. I still have the note he left me on my last Agfa day those 40 years ago and I still laugh when I see it. Such an innately good soul navigating life’s many challenges. Prayers for you all. Cherish the best and happiest memories.
Jeffrey Green says
September 18, 2021 at 9:03 amClete was a great asset to Agfa-Gevaert, and a very conscientious contact for both our dealers and customers.
He was also proud of his Irish heritage, and to my knowledge never missed a St. Patrick’s day parade in New York.
My condolences to his family.
Harry Miller says
September 18, 2021 at 9:13 amGwen and family,
Please accept our families deepest condolences in Clete’s passing. I worked with Clete many years ago at Agfa and always appreciated his sense of humor, perspective on life and work ethic. May the pleasant memories of you life together rest in your heart and give you peace. Respectfully, Harry Miller
helen molanphy says
September 23, 2021 at 3:00 pmGwen and family,
John and I grieve with you over the loss of Clete. We remember his devotion to family and friends and his great sense of humor and intelligence. May you find comfort remembering his love for you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers – Love, Helen and John Molanphy