John Richard Bolton Jr.

John Richard Bolton Jr., 85, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Monday, at Crouse Hospital.

He was born in Syracuse on January 24, 1941. John graduated from North Syracuse High School and proudly served in the Air National Guard. He spent much of his career in the property insurance industry, working for Nationwide and Agway.

In the early 1980s, John moved to Harrisburg, PA, where he worked as a manager for Penn National Insurance. During his years in Pennsylvania, he was a devoted member of his church and actively involved in its youth programs. John participated in the church's softball and volleyball leagues and enjoyed playing golf in his free time. Above all, he devoted himself to his children and frequently traveled to Syracuse to spend time with them.

John retired from Penn National at the age of 62 and returned to Central New York, settling in Liverpool. During retirement, he especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and watching local high school baseball and softball games. He was a dedicated member of Northside Baptist Church, where he volunteered on numerous committees including finance and warmly greeted parishioners before services. His greatest passion, however, remained mentoring and teaching youth through the church's ministry programs.

An avid sports fan, John faithfully followed the New York Mets, New York Giants, and Syracuse University basketball and football teams.

John was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He cherished his independence and was known for his strong moral character, integrity, and unwavering principles. He was intelligent, handsome, and quick with a sense of humor. Remarkably independent for most of his life, John remained self-sufficient until only a few months before his passing.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy Bolton.

Surviving are his loving children, Kim, Jacki, and Jason; son-in-law, Rob; grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Jacob, and Luke; granddaughter-in-law, Bethany; great-grandson, George; sisters, Janet and Sally (John); and numerous nieces and nephews.

To celebrate John’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 7965 Oswego Rd., Liverpool.

A funeral service will follow in the church.

John will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Diabetes Association., P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

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