Name: Wake for John Boler
Start: 2016-03-13T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-03-14T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Smith-Corcoran Palatine Funeral Home

Boler, John M., 81, of Inverness, IL and Sanibel Island, FL passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born to John William and Violet Pearl (Crider) Boler on April 4, 1934 in Marion, Ohio. He attended elementary and high school at St. Mary's in Marion. He earned his business degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1956, during which he served in the ROTC. Following graduation, he served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps at Fort Eustis, Virginia. After 6 months of active duty he continued to participate in the reserves where he was eventually honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
Nicknamed "Sunny" for his optimistic personality, he earned his way through school and life, starting with a Marion Star newspaper delivery job at age 6. John was the first in his family to attend college. After graduation from John Carroll he landed a promising position at Clevite Corp., where at 26 he became the youngest plant manager in the company's history, and ten years later its youngest general manager. When Clevite merged with Gould, Inc. John moved his family to Chicago in 1971. He guided the international electronics conglomerate's entry into South American and other markets. By age 43 he had facilitated or participated in 20 mergers and acquisitions for Gould.
In 1977, he left Gould, Inc., and started his own company which would eventually become The Boler Company. With asset-based loans from major banks, he purchased four manufacturing companies including Hendrickson, the world's leading supplier of heavy-duty truck suspensions. With John's vision and leadership, the company modernized and grew to what has become one of America's largest privately held corporations. John served actively as Chairman of the Board until his death.
John came from a humble beginning and believed in giving back in big ways. He served as Trustee to John Carroll for 26 years and his philanthropy led to the naming of the John and Mary Jo Boler School of Business in 1996, as well as the D.J. Lombardo Student Center in 1994. In 2005 he received the University's highest honor, the Alumni Medal. His service as Trustee and philanthropy to Rush University Medical Center in 2005 led to the naming of the Mary Jo and John Boler Centers for Advanced Imaging, and Rush's highest honor, the Trustee Medal, in 2015. He served on and chaired the American Cancer Society's National Foundation Board, and supported many educational, healthcare and autism related causes around the country, along with groups near and dear to his heart on Sanibel Island. He quietly made college education possible for many friends and family. He often asked himself if he was doing enough.
He was loved and cherished by his family. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo (Lombardo); daughters, Judy (Ray) McCormack, Jill (Dan) McCormack; sons, Jim (Celeste) Boler, Mike (Jamie) Boler, and Matt (Christine) Boler, and 13 grandchildren, Danny, Luke, Matt, John, Alex, Ray, Michael, Katie, Ben, Tricia, Domenic, Gina, and John; his sisters, Marilyn (Bill) Lowe, JoAnna (Jim) Cunningham, and Betty Jo (Bill) Whetro; his brother-in-law, Dave Lombardo, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, John Matthew, and his sisters, Barbara and Nancy. Words cannot accurately describe what we will all miss about him. He was larger than life, charismatic, smart, and giving, a fighter, an optimist, and a lifelong Republican.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in John's name to one of his favorite causes: Rush University Medical Center AARTS Program (Autism), The Boler School of Business at John Carroll University, The Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases at the University of Notre Dame, and Big Arts on Sanibel Island, FL.
The wake for John is Sunday, March 13 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL from 1pm to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating John's life is scheduled for Monday, March 14th at 11:00 a.m., St. Theresa Catholic Church, 465 N. Benton Street, Palatine, IL. Interment will be private at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. Info: 847-359-8020 or visit John's memorial at smithcorcoran.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Mar. 7 to Mar. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Boler

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

28 Entries

Gus Binkowski

March 22, 2016

After Johns initial purchase of Burton Spring I had the honor of being promoted to President and CEO. Upon being promoted I suggested that a company in the UK produced a machine (Hille) that would give us the ability to produce long tapered spring giving us the only company in the USA with the ability to do so. After seeing the machine in operation I called John and suggested we purchase one. Without hesitation he Gave an OKAY. Thus once in operation the beginning of the air ride began. He always had complete faith in his people.
The honor of working for him and meeting Mary Jo with her kindness and friendship was beyond belief. Unfortunately after a period of time my health became a factor. Even then the Boler family was there to help. Sharon and I will miss them greatly.
Our total condolences goes out to Boler family.

Matthew Lombardo

March 22, 2016

Aunt Mary Jo and cousin Matt, Mike, Jimmy, Judy and Jill,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Uncle John passing away. He will be missed dearly. Even greater than his success in business was his success in raising a strong family. The Boler name will live on for a long long time and always be reflective of great strength and class.
God bless.
Love Matthew Lombardo

jim sullivan

March 18, 2016

rest in peace classmate
from 1952 st marys marion

jim sullivan

March 18, 2016

rest in peace. classmate 1952 st marys
marion.

jim sullivan

March 18, 2016

rest in peace your classmate 1952 st marys.
john was a smart student last seen with beautiful
wife at 2002 class reunion. very generous man to
st marys church marion. see you in heaven my friend.

March 13, 2016

Having worked at Hendrickson for over 30 years, I had the privilege of Knowing John Boler as a man of high principal, integrity and distinguished leadership.

You will be missed by all.

Jim Hlavaty, Senior Buyer (Retired)

Penny Berrill

March 13, 2016

With our deepest sympathy. He will be missed.

Penny and Bob Berrill

March 13, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to the Boler family . Robert and Penny Berrill of Ocala, Florida

Leo & Mary Therese Duffy

March 12, 2016

Mary Jo and Family,
We were privileged to know you both over the years both at John Carroll and after graduation. Leo enjoyed working with you both on setting up and attending the luncheons of the class of '56 in Fort Myers. It was always a fun occasion and helped make the class of '56, the greatest class! We will miss you this year. Many thanks to you and John for all you have done for John Carroll and the many other charities you have supported.
Our deepest sympathy.
Leo and Mary Therese Duffy

March 9, 2016

John, was a light weight physically but a heavy weight and lion of a man when it came to The Boler Company and his philanthropy. It was a privilege for me to know and care for him for over 30 years. All who knew him respected and loved him. He will be greatly missed! Dr. Carl Eybel

Ann Howell

March 9, 2016

I have many fond memories of John and all the Boler family. My heart shares the grief at this great loss. May God continue to bless all of you.

Angie and Michael Smith

March 9, 2016

May God be with the Boler family in this difficult time. What a generous, supportive man he was. He and the entire Boler family are in the Smith family thoughts and prayers.

Barbara and Jim Lange

March 9, 2016

Mary Jo and Family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,

Antonio Barrera

March 9, 2016

Mat Boler
I'm so sorry for your loss.My deepest sympathy and my condolences to all Boler family

Antonio Barrera

March 9, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

March 9, 2016

Spent many happy times in the Boler home as a friend and someone who lived across the street and knew the entire family. Very Sad times for Jonny's family also our family.

Bobby Gay, Soddy Daisy Tn.

Tom Buchs

March 9, 2016

Boler Family : Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of John. I was fortunate for the opportunity to get to know John many years ago through his acquisition of Hendrickson. His high level of humility and compassion for others was so evident. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be encouraged by such an amazing individual. This world is much better with what John was able to change and leave us with. God bless and our prayers remain with you during this difficult time.

MaryLis Rich

March 8, 2016

Mary Jo and the Boler Family,
You know first-hand your father will be missed, but his absence will be felt far and wide. He was a fearless leader, he lived with both purpose and significance. He was driven by compassion and love for his family. I count myself as fortunate to have known him and he made me a better person. His quiet demeanor was charged by his commitment and his word as solid as oak. He will be missed, I am grateful his footprint is forever part of my life. Thank you for sharing him with so many. As you begin this journey, my love, my gratitude, and my prayers. MaryLis Rich

John Carroll university

March 7, 2016

Wishing you God's Spirit and Light, John.
You were a good friend to so many and to me. I will miss you John and wish peace and consolation for your family.

Father Niehoff, SJ, JCU.

Elaine Mahoney

March 7, 2016

Dear Mary Jo and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. John was an important figure in my life working at JCU for many years, but also a friend through his connection to my sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Mary Kay Knechtges. I will never forget him and his many kindnesses.
Elaine Mahoney

Rita Canning

March 7, 2016

I am so very sad to hear the news about John. He was an amazing gentleman with a heart of gold.

Amber Foster/Lester

March 7, 2016

He will be missed terribly, he had a good heart and forever will b cherished loved his family in every way possible I am glad God chose this family for me (his niece)

Kathleen and Daniel Singler

March 7, 2016

With the passing of this great man comes loss and sadness for all who knew him. His personality was larger than life and we were privileged to call him our friend. Our blessings on Mary Jo and the rest of his family as they endure this sad time.

Gerry Grim

March 7, 2016

John Carroll lost one of the greatest Blue Streaks ever. So sorry for your lose

Greg Jenko

March 7, 2016

A very sad day. John was a great and generous man. He touched so many lives and was a positive influence everywhere he went. He will be sorely missed by many.

Judy Gallagher

March 7, 2016

I am so sorry for you loss.

May God bless you and lift you eyes toward the Lord

Judy Gallagher
Hendrickson Auxiliary
Hebron, OH

Sally / Joe Kramer

March 7, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. We'll always remember John arranging for a room in the Morris Inn for Junior Parent's weekend. Matt and our son Dean were room mates. Sally & Joe Kramer

Paul Kantz

March 7, 2016

Spent many good times with John and Mary Jo at Sanibel and at JCU functions. A great man and generous benefactor of many important institutions. John was the model of the Jesuit ideal of being " man for others." Our world needs more men like him.

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