Joseph William Bolger

Joseph William Bolger, 40, of Hanover, PA, died on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

Born May 19, 1985, Joe grew up in Baltimore, and moved to Hanover in 1996.

Joe was a veteran of the United States Army, having served his country proudly and doing one campaign in Iraq for 13 months as a Chemical Operation Specialist.  He was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Joe worked as a laborer at Ciesco before his illness forced him on disability.

Joe loved country music, New York Giants football, and studying Military History.  He was devoted to his children.  Serving in the Army fulfilled a lifelong dream.  Joe died on the 40th anniversary of the death of his grandfather and namesake, Joe Gredd, who was a WWII veteran.

Joe spent his last years in the VA Medical Center, where he fought his illness as long as he could, doing everything possible to be there for his children.  He was a devoted father, a brave soldier and a beloved son and brother, who will be deeply missed. 

Joe is survived by his children, Mason, Terrence, and Danielle, and their mother Nicola Arndt, as well as his parents, Terry and Mary Jo Bolger, his sister Sharon Kabel, and his brothers-in-law, William Kabel, and Mark Kissinger.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Bolger Kissinger, who died in 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Basilica, 30 Basilica Drive, Hanover, PA, with Father Dwight Schlaline as celebrant.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, PA, with the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard providing Military Honors.   A visitation and time to share memories with the family will be held from 4-7 PM, Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, c/o CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 50 Tice Boulevard, Suite 175, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 or Roots for Boots, P.O. Box 213, New Oxford, PA 17350.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com

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