Thomas William Boland

Thomas William Boland, 79, of Bedford, formerly of Unionville and Port Jervis, NY died Saturday, May 8, 2010 at The Elks National Home.  Born February 24, 1931 in Port Jervis, NY he was the son of the late Walter J. Boland and Theresa R. George Boland.  In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Mary Ellen Wendland Boland; and one sister, Mary Margaret Boland.



Tom was a member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford.  He resided in Unionville and Port Jervis for 68 years before retiring to the Elks National Home in 2003.  He was a member of Port Jervis #645 Lodge of Elks for over 60 years.  Tom served as the past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and was Past State Vice President of NY State Elks Association.  Tom was a 60 year member of Delaware Hose Co. of Port Jervis Volunteer Fire Department and was Grand Marshal 2009 of Port Jervis Fireman\"™s Parade.  He was the founder of the Boland-Elks Scholarship Fund in honor of his father and two uncles and he, who were Exalted Rulers of the Port Jervis Lodge #645.  He also served in the U. S. Navy aboard the U. S.S. Ault during the Korean War.



He is survived by one son Robert A. Boland Esq. and his wife, Semone; three nieces.



Memorial contributions maybe made to Elks Boland Scholarship Fund, Care of Port Jervis Elks Lodge #645, P.O. Box W, Port Jervis, NY 12771.



The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM, Monday, May 10, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford.  A mass of resurrection will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with Father Steve McNally and Father Salvador Añonuevo officiating.   Friends may call and an Elks Memorial Service will be conducted 7 PM Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Port Jervis Elks Lodge.  A mass of resurrection will be conducted 10 AM, Friday, May 14, 2010 at St. Mary\"™s Church in Port Jervis with Father George Hafemann officiating.   Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home Bedford, 540-586-3443.