Henry Bollini
Godfrey |
Henry Borella Bollini, 94, of Godfrey was called home and into the arms of the Lord on Monday, January 16, 2012 after months of declining health which sadly robbed him of his goal of living to 100.
Born February 11, 1917 to William "Nick" Bollini & Katherine (Borella) Bollini, he was raised the third son of a proud Italian family in Benld, IL, where his father was Chief of Police and also owned Nick's Bar. He took delight in telling about his mother's famous chili that was "made to order" in the bar.
Taking musical talent from both parents, there wasn't an instrument he couldn't play. He could be found most nights playing the drums for popular area bands along with the likes of Oogie Devito, Harold Iken, and others.
On July 24, 1937 he married Margaret Caroline Burger at the Brunner home in Rockbridge, IL and they enjoyed 65 years together before she departed this earth on November 22, 2002. They were blessed with four children; the late Robert Louis Bollini, William & Constance (O'Connor) Bollini of Alton, Donald & Judy (Donnellan) Bollini of Rockbridge, and Terry & Patricia (Bollini) Seymour of Godfrey.
He retired in 1977 after 36 years as a Pattern Maker for Standard Oil/Amoco. His life was a tribute to his work as he, with his sons, built a beautiful home of which he was so very proud.
He was notorious for making "jigs" to make any task easier, many of which the family joked should have been patented. Retirement brought "Hank and Peg" more time to enjoy their hobbies of camping and fishing and they spent many happy years traveling the U.S. with the Chapter 10 "Road-Runners" Coachman Caravan Club and the "Has-Beens".
"PoPo", as he was called, cherished each and every one of his grandchildren. They include Steve & Paula (Wheaton) Bollini of Alton, Rodney Bollini of Brighton, Jeff & Angie (Bollini) Nason of Jerseyville, Richard & Linon (Bollini) Davis of Shipman, Darin & Tara (Seymour) Trent of Bethalto, Corey & Missy (Adler) Seymour of Alton, Jason & Amanda (Seymour) Harris of Alton. As much as he loved his grandchildren, nothing held a candle to the pleasure he found with his great-grandchildren including Justin & Shane Bollini, Halie & Brendan Bollini, Chelsea Morgan & Madison Nason, Ryan and Sean Davis, Brady Alexis and Dalton Trent, Tristan Hannah Logan & Alia Seymour.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, with a wake service at 3:30 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Elias-Kallal- Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey
There will be a Funeral Mass in his honor at 10a.m. on Friday, January 20 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey with Monsignor Kenneth Steffen and Deacon Bill are officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at Witt Cemetery in Rockbridge, IL.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in memory of the late Candyce Lynn Bollini, beloved and departed wife of son Donald Bollini.
Memorials may be made online at www.komen.org Click Donate, then Click Memoria
On line condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home