Patrick J. Boland of the Green Ridge section of Scranton died early Tuesday in the Regional Hospital of Scranton. His wife of 43 years is the former Margaret Mary Kerrigan.
Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Patrick J. Boland, who represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1931 until his death in 1942, rising to the position of majority whip, and Veronica Barrett Boland, who was the first U.S. congresswoman in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Patrick was a graduate of the Scranton Preparatory School, class of 1950, as well as the University of Scranton, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church. For the past 52 years, he owned and operated the Patrick J. Boland Insurance Agency, where he was an independent insurance agent and broker. He was a member of the Country Club of Scranton, the Independent Insurance Agents of America and served on the alumni board of governors of the Scranton Preparatory School.
A true lover of life and people, Pat shared unique and lasting relationships with people of all ages. He was known as “The Blade” by many, especially his fellow members of the Art Wall League at the Country Club of Scranton. Pat was a true character who was regarded for his quick wit, his ability to tell a humorous story and his talent for making people laugh and smile.
His true loves, however, were his family and friends. Patrick was the epitome of what a father and husband should be: unconditionally loving, kind, steadfast, supportive and always available for guidance and friendship. He truly loved and enjoyed his myriad of friends.
Pat was loyalty personified to his family, friends, faith, insureds and alma maters. He left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to cross his path, one which will remain forever.
P.J. will be dearly missed by all who knew him, in particular his beloved wife and best friend, Peggy.
Also surviving are his children, attorney Patrick J. Boland and wife, Michele, Clarks Summit; Maura Boland and husband, Dominic Inzillo, Peckville; and Christopher Boland and fiancée, Kelly Flannery, Scranton; a brother, Eugene Boland and wife, Lorraine, East Haven, Conn.; a cousin, Ann Marie Payton, Scranton; four grandchildren, Amanda, Brian and Paige Boland and Nicholas B. Inzillo; nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by three half-brothers, Dr. Francis Boland and attorneys Jennings and Christopher Boland; two half-sisters, Lenore Moran and Eileen Wurzer; and a niece, Lynn Lilquist Boland.
Those planning on attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Friends may call Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. in the Vanston & James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton.
Memorial contributions may be made the Scranton Preparatory School Memorial Fund, 1000 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.