George Bolechowski
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of George Bolechowski, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and steadfast friend. Born on May 8, 1940, in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, George was the son of Marie and Michael Bolechowski and the beloved brother of Michael Bolechowski and Carol Bolechowski (Mitchell), all of whom preceded him in passing.
George graduated from Edison High School in 1958 and spent his early years working in various factory and chemical plants before finding his true craft as a machinist at Thomas Jefferson University, where he took great pride in creating medical instruments that helped improve countless lives.
In 1958, fate led George to a party where he met the love of his life, Patricia Baranus. Their connection was instant, and they married in 1960, building a warm and loving home in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Their life together was filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished moments, especially those shared with Patricia’s sister, Dolores, and her husband, John. John became not only family but also George’s best friend and most trusted confidant. The two shared an unbreakable bond, enjoying deep conversations, good-natured jokes, and countless hours listening to Irish music together.
In 1966, George answered the call to serve his city, becoming a firefighter with Engine 25 of the Philadelphia Fire Department. He bravely protected his community, embodying strength, dedication, and selflessness. After more than two decades of service, he retired from the fire department in 1987. In 1989, he and Patricia moved to the Castor Gardens section of Philadelphia, where they built a new chapter of their life together.
Beyond his career, George was a man of many talents and passions. A natural handyman, he could fix just about anything, often amazing family and friends with his ability to tackle any repair with ease. He loved family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and fishing trips as a proud member of the Long Beach Island Fishing Club. He also found joy in golf, sports, classic Western and war films, and, in his later years, watching Blue Bloods with his son Greg.
Some of the best memories with George were the family road trips in his beloved station wagon, Betsy. No matter how lost they got, he’d always reassure everyone with a smile and his signature phrase: “Grandpop always finds his way.”
George was also the life of Christmas Eve, where he would break out sheet music and his harmonica to lead the family in Christmas carols—a tradition that will continue to be passed down through generations. And you never quite knew when you’d hear his signature whistle before he walked through the door, announcing that he had stopped by for a beer or a shot, ready to share a story or a laugh.
One of George’s favorite pastimes was playfully teasing his beloved wife, Patricia. Whenever she was feeling feisty or in a mood, he would affectionately call her “Margaret” just to get a rise out of her. It was his way of making her smile, even in the moments when she didn’t want to, a testament to the love and laughter that defined their marriage.
George’s greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his three children, Patricia Richardson (Jay), Christine McCloskey, and Greg Bolechowski. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jeffrey Wambold (Nicole), Amanda Richardson (Patrick), Madison McCloskey, and Aria Bolechowski. He was blessed to spend time with his great-grandchildren, LJ and Bella. He is also survived by his beloved brother and sister-in-law, John and Dolores McCabe, and Bob and Joanne Barunas, along with many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members and friends.
On March 24th, surrounded by his loving family, George passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, love, and laughter. He was the heart of his family, a man whose presence could light up a room and whose wisdom and warmth will never be forgotten. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the lives he touched.
Rest easy, George. You have found your way home.
All are invited to George’s visitation and funeral on Tuesday, April 1st, at Resurrection of Our Lord Church (2000 Shelmire Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152) from 9:30 am-10:30 am. There will be a mass in the church at 10:30 am. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
