John Henry "Cooley" Bolger, son of the late Charlie Bolger and Georgia Middleton Gailliard was born on July 10, 1947 in New York City. After his birth, John's parents moved to Eutawville, South Carolina where he spent most of his adolescent years. At an early age, John was baptized at the Unity Baptist Church in his hometown. John was raised by his late grandfather; John Middleton, Sr, and his late stepfather; Charlie Suite. The strong influence from both men could be seen in John's character. John valued family and all the traditions that were passed down from the two individuals he deemed the most influential in his life.
From the beginning, the charisma, gentle but strong presence of John's nature was admired by all that had the pleasure to know him.
Growing up, John was known to always go after what he wanted. He was given the nickname "Cooley" after being the first of his childhood friends to purchase his own car; a brand -new Chevrolet mustang. John was known to cruise un his brand-new car all over town, making him very popular amongst his peers, so they nicknamed him "Cooley" to match his cool car and image.
John graduated from Roberts High School in Holly Hill, SC but after spending most of his adolescence in Eutawville, SC, John decided to move back to his birth place of New York City to start a family.
John spent several decades working for the New York City Housing Authority where he helped to maintain the infrastructure of his community. After retiring from NYCHA, John became a custodian at the church he fellowshipped with; Brownsville Community Baptist Church, and sung in the male chorus. While working at Brownsville, John's best friend, brother Jackson encouraged him to rejoin the Emmanuel Lodge One of the Free Mason fraternity.
While John lived in New York, he took some time off from work and moved back to Eutawville, SC for a few months to care for his sick mother.
Several years after his return to New York, he met his finance Rutheen Edwards; the head secretary at his church. John met Rutheen and their connection was instantaneous. All that were close to John could tell that his relationship with Rutheen brought the best out of him. They shared a need to care for one another in a deep way, and they did that until his unfortunate departure. Rutheen remained by John's side throughout his entire sickness. John was able to receive the genuine love he consistently gave to everyone he came across from the one person he loved the most.
Johnn departed this life on January 30, 2021. To cherish his loving memory, he leaves behind two daughters; Lynette Corner (Wallace) and Lisa Atkins, one son; Eric Moore, twelve grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren. Six brothers; George (Paulette) of N.J., Joseph (Patricia), Jerome (Carolyn) of South Carolina, Charlie Jr. (Helen) of Brooklyn, NY, Harry (Lula), and Leroy (Alma) of Columbia, SC, Kittie (George), Susan of Columbia, SC, and Hattie Mae of Charleston, SC. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
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