Kenneth A. Bollam (Cdr. US Navy Retired), aged 87, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023. He was a distinguished veteran and graduate of St. Joseph High School and John Carroll University. Ken was a passionate coach, dedicating many years to coaching CYO, high school, and college-level softball and basketball teams. He was also a respected softball umpire and basketball referee for over 40 years.
Ken had a deep love for music, serving as a cantor and choir member at St. Noel Catholic Church. He cherished his role as a husband to his devoted wife of 61 years, Paula (nee Fawcett), and as a father to his son Russell and daughters Cathleen (Daniel) Coyne and Diann (Vincent) Miller. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Valleri, Erin, Liam, Sean, Eamon, and Lauryn, as well as two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Agnes (nee Katalinas) and his sister Bonnie Weiland.
For most of his life Ken led a one-man crusade against the cult of comfort. Relentlessly working two or more jobs and side hustles, he used his extra funds to support the under privileged, those down on their luck, and friends needing a helping hand. He always loved the underdog. Despite his incredible work ethic, Ken almost never missed a grandchild’s sporting event and miraculously still found time for singing, jail ministry, clothing drives, his nightly Rosary, epic family vacations and Christmas toys for struggling families. He was also a proud member of the Catholic War Veterans (John Paul II post).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Padre Pio Academy (Lakewood, OH) and Euclid Animal Shelter.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ken at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 4-8 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, May 11, 2023, at St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 at 11 AM.
A Private Burial with Military Honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
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Michelle Allen fishwick
Sending love and prayers to you all. I’m so sorry Becky and I won’t be able to fly in. Please except my apologies and know that we loved him very much.
Ken Kirchner
Ken was a member of Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 the John II post of Lake County Ohio.
Actually he was our first interim chaplain. He will be sadly missed by all.
Pax,
Ken Kirchner
Commander CWV Post 1959
Barb Lindler Sharp, cousin
Paula and Family,
So sorry to hear Ken has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will forever be in your hearts. This is a beautiful write-up of Ken’s life. He really did give of himself. You will always be proud.