Richard Hoyt Bolles

Richard Hoyt Bolles Sr. of East Hampton, widower of Clara E. (Keith) and Margaret (Thienes), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 29th, 2022. Having reached 102 years old, he lived a full and celebratory life. Born June 15, 1920 in Hartford he was the son of the late John F. and Myrtle (Hoyt) Bolles. In his early 20’s, having already started a family, Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a member of the VFW Post 5095 of East Hampton and a 75-year member of the Anchor Masonic Lodge of East Hampton. Richard was also a long-time member of the East Hampton Congregational Church. He was an accomplished carpenter and builder, having helped restore the iconic Goodspeed Opera House in the early 1960’s and later retired as Carpenter Foreman for Wesleyan University. In addition, he loved turning the soil each spring to plant his vegetable garden, but his favorite pastime was traveling to Cape Cod where he waded the beaches to rake another basket of clams.

Forever fortunate for his large and loving family, he is survived by six children: Richard H. Bolles Jr. (Karen) of Yarmouth Port MA, Susan Bolles Petell (Al) of East Hampton, Kathleen A. Bolles (Wayne) of Glastonbury, Joanne B. Murphy (Tim) of Eastham MA, Keith F. Bolles (Jane) of Essex, James T. Bolles (Suzy) of Old Lyme, and his sister Josie M. Eaton of Pawcatuck. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his three brothers John F. Bolles Jr., Thomas Bolles, and Robert Bolles.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Tuesday Jan. 10th from 4–7 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday Jan. 11th at 11 AM in the East Hampton Congregational Church. Burial will be private in Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anchor Lodge 112 AF&AM, VFW Post 5095 or East Hampton Congregational Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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