Richard J. Boles, 53, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dedham on March 7, 2025. A lifelong resident of Dedham, Rich was a former member of IBEW 103.
Rich is survived by his wife, Margaret Berry Boles, of Kingston, his mother Karen Boles, of Dedham, his sister Erin Boles Welsh and her husband Timothy, of Dedham, his nephew Thomas Welsh, nieces Amelia and Keira Welsh, and his aunt Diane Ericksen, of Jamaica Plain. Rich was predeceased by his father James Boles.
Rich was known around Dedham growing up as “Bolzy”. Throughout his life, Rich was always happiest when he was interacting with the natural world. Whether camping, taking long walks, or just relaxing in the backyard, Rich found peace in nature. As a kid, he was always exploring, interested in learning new things, and often mischievous. He was always bringing home stray animals - even if sometimes that meant a box full of garter snakes or a pregnant hamster. But his concern for them was pure and his intent was to nurse them back to health. He also always had to have his hands busy. He could take apart his Commodore 64 computer or his Atari to learn what was inside and put them back together again in working order. As a teenager, Rich had a close group of local friends and was loved by many others who knew him. He would give his friends the shirt off his back if they needed it.
Rich joined IBEW 103 following in the footsteps of his father and many uncles and cousins, choosing telecommunications as his field. He loved wiring the new buildings built in Boston in the 90’s and the peace he’d find from the top of these structures and scaffolding. Rich was truly fearless. Rich also was always learning new hobbies and taking on new interests and challenges. Later in his life, he learned to become a skillful drone pilot, attaining his FAA license.
Calling hours will be held at St. Susanna’s Church in Dedham, Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m. followed at 10:00 a.m by a prayer service. Immediately following the prayer service, a celebration of Rich’s life will be held at 10:45 a.m. at the Dolan Center Boat Launch, 269 Common Street, Dedham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to Dedham Civic Pride, PO Box 613, Dedham, MA 02026.