Joseph Bolger

Joseph John Bolger, 83, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a courageous and lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born on January 26, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph and Johanna (Kiernan) Bolger. Proud of his Irish heritage, Joe held dual citizenship in both the United States and Ireland and cherished the deep connection he shared with both countries throughout his life. Joe graduated with honors from Boys High School in Brooklyn in 1960. He continued his education at the City College of New York and Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire, and earned a Certificate from the Academy of Advanced Traffic in New York City. His dedication to learning and professional excellence served him well throughout his career. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he demonstrated the commitment and integrity that would define his life. He graduated from the United States Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia, in May 1965 and received an Honorable Discharge on January 5, 1971. Following his military service, Joe built a distinguished career in transportation, logistics, and traffic management. He worked as a Traffic Rate Analyst for Standard Brands, Inc. in New York City before becoming a Traffic Analyst for Carling Brewing Company in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he oversaw transportation operations for six plants. In 1973, Joe joined Nashua Corporation, serving as Manager of Administration, Rates and Claims until 1989. He later worked for Freight Management Services at Bank of Boston in Burlington, Massachusetts, from 1990 to 1994, followed by Cass Information Systems in Lowell, Massachusetts. Throughout his professional life, Joe earned the respect of colleagues for his expertise, dedication, and strong work ethic. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and was especially proud of the legacy of his grandparents, John Bolger and Annie Flanagan, both natives of Ireland. His grandfather, John, was born in County Tipperary in 1881 and immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island aboard the Adriatic on September 6, 1907. He became a United States citizen in Brooklyn on August 1, 1918. Joe's grandmother, Annie, was born in County Mayo in 1884. They married in New York in January 1914, beginning a family whose Irish heritage remained a source of pride for generations. For nearly 50 years, Joe shared a loving and devoted partnership with Carol M. Adams of Nashua, New Hampshire. Together they built a life centered on love, family, friendship, and adventure. They traveled extensively, making eight memorable trips to Ireland, seven vacations to Bermuda, a special trip to Hawaii, another to New Orleans, and eight cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line. Their travels created countless cherished memories and reflected Joe's appreciation for experiencing the world alongside the person he loved. Although Joe had no children of his own, he embraced Carol's family as his own and was deeply loved in return. He is survived by his devoted companion, Carol M. Adams; his niece, Kate Elsberry of Colorado; Carol's children: Mary E. Martin and Shannon L. Martin Sr. of Nashua, New Hampshire; Kathleen Clancy and Gregory Clancy of Nashua; Patricia Feck and Michael Baker of Victor, New York; Franklin J. Adams III and Donna Adams of Carroll, New Hampshire; and C. Terese Bolton and Richard E. Bolton Jr. of Vero Beach, Florida. He is also survived by Carol's grandchildren: Shannon L. Martin Jr. and Emma Martin of Leominster, Massachusetts; Brendan S. Martin and Mia Martin of Merrimack, New Hampshire; Ryan and Alissa Clancy of Milford, New Hampshire; Michael P. Feck of Victor, New York; Kristen and Michael Bifarella of Victor, New York; Nicole and David Plouffe of Pembroke, New Hampshire; Michele and Gui Paim of Milford, New Hampshire; Richard E. Bolton III of South Carolina; Timothy Bolton of Portland, Oregon; and Andrew and Catie Bolton of Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Joe was further blessed by Carol's great-grandchildren: Kieran Martin, Everett Martin, Lily Martin, Mila Clancy, Olivia Bifarella, Emma Bifarella, Gabby Bifarella, Paolo Bifarella, Jack Kirk, Liam Paim, and Elise Paim, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. A passionate sports fan, Joe remained loyal to his beloved New York Jets and New York Mets throughout his life. He loved attending games whenever possible and especially enjoyed cheering at Lowell Spinners games, particularly when they faced Brooklyn. He was also a familiar face at Nashua Pride, Nashua Angels, and Nashua Pirates baseball games, and he rarely missed opportunities to watch Shannon and Brendan compete in baseball, football, and basketball. Joe was an avid skier, both down hill and cross country. and always enjoyed skiing with Carol and her children on Friday nights. Joe found joy in music and community. He loved listening to The Rolling Stones, the Eagles, jazz, and Frank Sinatra. He enjoyed attending concerts, actor-singer performances, the Lowell Folk Festival, Nashua's Winter Stroll, and many community events that brought people together. Family was at the center of Joe's life. He treasured holidays with Carol's family and looked forward to every gathering, including Martin family Fourth of July cookouts, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Red Sox home openers, weddings, graduations, birthdays, and countless special occasions. He also enjoyed simple pleasures—sharing meals at Martha's Exchange and the 99 Restaurant, savoring his favorite steak tips, chocolate, and Oreo cookies. Joe had a generous heart and a quiet humility that touched everyone who knew him. He consistently placed the needs of others before his own, giving generously to charitable organizations and always looking for ways to help those in need. His kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and unwavering loyalty earned him the love and admiration of family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues alike. He was also devoted to his beloved cats, Frisky and Minoune, who brought him years of companionship and comfort. Joe's legacy is one of service, generosity, loyalty, and unconditional love. He lived with quiet strength, treated everyone with dignity and respect, and found happiness in the people he loved most. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and caring heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, August 7th from 6pm - 8pm in the Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Ferry Street in Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, August 8th at 10am in St. Christopher’s Church, 62 Manchester Street in Nashua. We ask everyone attending Saturday's funeral to meet at the Church. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Nashua.

Joseph Bolger

January 26, 1943 - August 2, 2026