IN LOVING MEMORY OF

John Joseph

John Joseph Bolger Profile Photo

Bolger

Nov 12, 1935 — May 4, 2026

Obituary

John Joseph Bolger, 90, of Camp Hill, PA, passed away peacefully in his home on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving daughters. John was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and husband, a great friend to many, as well as a dedicated pillar of the community. His service was demonstrated through his lobbying work with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, his volunteer work, especially at Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, and his support and leadership within many Pennsylvania organizations, such as the State Ethics Commission, the West Shore Country Club, the Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg, the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and the PA State System, to name a few. His generous nature and humor touched all he met and he made a difference in the lives of his family, his friends, and the organizations he supported.

John was loved by the many who knew him and lit up the world wherever he went. His positive influence was evident by the smile on his face and the vast network of people he touched. John was known as an avid Notre Dame fan, a mentor, someone who always got things done with a strong work ethic, a fair negotiator, skilled lobbyist, and a beloved friend who always remembered names and special events and asked about you and your family more than focusing on himself. John regularly delivered 'Bolger's buns' as a treat to friends celebrating special occasions, to those needing a pick-me-up, or simply because. Every family event included a pocketful of instant lottery tickets and the hope that everyone would win something. If you were fortunate enough to know John Bolger, you were the lucky one.

John is survived by his daughters, Michelle Pfeifer (Chris Corpora), and Beth Rinehart (Mike Rinehart); grandchildren, Claire, Kyle, Erin, and Meghan; sister, Mary Ann Sharp and family, and stepdaughters, Laura Giordano and Wendy Feulner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Bolger and an infant sister, Maureen.

John was born November 12, 1935, to the late John and Lillian (Kortendick) Bolger. John graduated from McHenry High School in 1953, with honors, and furthered his education at the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1957. John was a member of the Notre Dame Glee Club and continued singing throughout his life including many St. Patrick's Day events at West Shore Country Club. John started his career in sales at General Telephone and Electronics (GT&E) working in Chicago, Syracuse and Harrisburg over 14 years. From there, John served in multiple positions at the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PBA) ultimately culminating as Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He was recognized as one of the "Big Five Lobbyists" in his role at PBA in 1979 and retired from PBA after 28 years of service. John was active in community service through numerous boards and leadership roles. He was President of the Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg (1979-1980) and was awarded the Club's "Man of the Year Award" in 1983. John served as Chairman of the Good Shepherd Capital Campaign that raised millions to build a new school and parish center. John was a founding member and Chairman of Hospice of Central PA and supported Hospice for 37 years. He was recognized with several awards including, the Founders Award for dedication and service as well as the Ruby Jubilee Award for his years of service. From 2012 to 2015, John served as Chairman of the PA State Ethics Commission and as a member for 15 years where he upheld the highest standards in serving the citizens of the State. He served as President of the West Shore Country Club in 1999 and was an active member for 42 years where he advocated for the clubhouse renovation and club membership. In addition, John served as board member of the Holy Spirit Heart Center and overall volunteer spanning 50 years, as well as, board member and Chairman of the scholarship committee for the State System Foundation. In his earlier years, John volunteered at the American Heart Association and was President of the Trade Association Executives where he was awarded the Annual Award of Excellence. In his free time, he enjoyed golf, Notre Dame sports, dinner with friends especially at the Club, and being present at as many family activities that he could including family vacations in Stone Harbor, Grandpa camp with the grandkids, visits to McHenry to see family, and being present for events big and small in his daughters and grandchildren's lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3435 E Trindle Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011 with Rev. Neil Sullivan as celebrant. A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. prior to Mass. An additional visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.The Mass will be livestreamed through the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and can be viewed at https://thegoodshep.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/goodshepcamphill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110; Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3435 E Trindle Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or The Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 6010, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Arrangements have been entrusted to Myers-Baker Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Visit www.myers-baker.com to leave condolences.

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Funeral Services

Visitation

May
14

Thursday

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

3435 East Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Second Visitation

May
15

Friday

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

3435 East Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011

12:30 - 1:30 pm

Mass

May
15

Friday

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

3435 East Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011

Starts at 2:00 pm

Guestbook

Visits: 1

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