Christopher J. "Chris" Bolek

Christopher J. “Chris” Bolek, age 60, of Dover, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, in the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, of complications from a series of strokes. 

Born October 12, 1963, in Cleveland, he was a son of Eleanor “Dee” Grimsley Bolek of Bradenton, Florida, and the late Richard Bolek Sr. Chris moved with his family at a young age to Tuscarawas County where he graduated from Strasburg-Franklin High School. He married the former Rachel Mercer, who survives, on December 21, 1985. Chris worked for years at his family’s business, Bolek’s Crafts of Dover. He was a member of B.P.O.E. 510 of New Philadelphia. 

Foremost, Chris dearly loved his family and enjoyed a good laugh. He liked to cook, especially when it meant grilling outdoors. He enjoyed going bowling and was in a Tuesday night men's league at Dover's Boulevard Lanes; he liked boating and fishing as well. Chris was also fond of animals, but particularly dogs - having a number of good companions over the years. 

In addition to his mother, and his wife, Rachel, Chris is survived by his children, Andrew (Marcie) Bolek of Bradenton, Alexis (Nicola) Rios of Mayfield Heights, and Aaron Bolek of Canton; his grandchildren, Kyro Bolek and Saphfire Myers; his brothers and sister, Richard Jr. (Kim), Jerry (Connie) and Gene (Patti) Bolek and Cathleen (Gary) Levin; his nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, John (Debbie) Geisinger.

Cremation is in the care of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. There will be a memorial visitation, a time to visit with the family and pay respects, on Sunday, December 31, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.