Robert Jeremiah Bolger

Robert Jeremiah “Jerry” Bolger was born on January 21, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, to Robert and Mary (Driscoll) Bolger. After a full and happy life, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2025. His parents and brother moved from Buffalo to Tucson when Jerry was 8 years old. He grew up in the SAMOS neighborhood near Grant Rd and Campbell and attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and Salpointe High School. He was proud of his Irish Catholic roots and was a huge University of Norte Dame fan-where his daughter Elizabeth graduated and his granddaughter currently is attending.

As a young man, Jerry learned how to fix things and gained valuable electrical skills from his father, who was an electrician. On weekends, he always had projects that he was working on, building a brick patio, re-wiring an old lamp, or changing the oil regularly in the family car. In his late teens, he worked as an ambulance driver for Reilly Funeral Home in downtown Tucson. Later he began his 37-year career in advertising with Tucson Newspapers Inc., following in the footsteps of his mother who also worked for TNI. He was personable and friendly with all his accounts and made lasting relationships throughout Tucson.

Jerry married Antoinette “Toni” Merchant Bolger on May 6th, 1962, and together they raised three children. They enjoyed participating in activities through Junior League, Elks Club and many other organizations. They loved supporting their kids in their various activities and cheered loudly at all events. Toni preceded Jerry in death in 1993.

On May 18, 1995, Jerry married Suzanne “Sue” Boulay Bolger, and he embarked on a new and happy chapter of his life. After retiring from Tucson Newspapers, Jerry worked for Sue building houses. He loved their work together and said she was the best boss he ever had.

Jerry and Sue shared a love of travel, whether driving across the United States to visit family and friends, cruising the seas, or visiting Ireland, a place especially dear to them. They had a full social calendar with regular lunch groups, card games and events.

In another life Jerry might have been a pilot, a long-haul truck driver or in law enforcement. He was in the Air National Guard and would attend Air Shows at Davis Monthan AFB with his kids in tow. He would regularly “ride along” with his son Tim who was an Arizona DPS officer. Jerry loved these rides and would describe them in detail to friends and family. He was proud of all his kids and grandkids, even if he did not agree with all of Katie’s politics. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Known for his quick wit, Jerry loved telling jokes, making friends wherever he went, and enjoying time with family. He was a proud 66-year member of the local Elks Club and a long-time parishioner of St. Pius X Church.

Jerry is loved by many people and will be deeply missed.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Diego O’Bolger (Delfina); his children, Tim Bolger (Julie Johnson); Katie Bolger; Elizabeth (Scott) Ritchie; Christine Reinagel; Cady (Stan) Tucker; Maggie (David) Bentley; Liz (Roy) Ritenour; Susan (John) Schnorr, and nieces, nephews, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Bolger, his first wife, Toni Bolger, and his wife Sue Boulay Bolger.

A mass celebrating Jerry’s life will take place on Monday, October 27th, 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to the Pima Council on Aging https://pcoa.org/