Alan Bailey Boesger's Obituary
Alan Bailey Boesger. Age 89. July 27, 1932 – March 9, 2022. Son of Harold and Anna Marie Boesger (nee Hayes), both deceased. Alan is survived by his beloved immediate family members – his wife of 63 years Dorothy (“Dottie”), his daughter Melanie Bordelois, son-in-law Augusto Bordelois and granddaughter Sylvia Bordelois. Alan is also survived by his brother Leonard Boesger and many nieces and nephews. He was a favorite uncle to Lynn Burgess (Robert, deceased), Richard Wrobel (Kay) and Lorraine Lester (Lawrence). He is also survived by dear friends who he considered family – Karen Bourquin; Rosemarie Stangel; Brian Ramsey; Allyson Koch; Asdrubal “Ubi” Bordelois and Paula Devereaux; and Perrin and Dave Verzi. He was preceded in death by his brothers Hal and Richard and sister Cora Benes.
Alan was born in Kent, Ohio and lived the rest of his life in either Cleveland or the Cleveland area. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. The draft sent him to Korea. After returning from Korea, Alan attended The Ohio State University for one year on the GI Bill and thereafter worked at TRW, Dodge Reports and for radio stations WGAR and WHK. He had an itch to own his own business however, and so, despite a lack of experience, he and his wife purchased The Glass Cutter. Dottie always said she knew it couldn’t get any worse than having the barber from next door demonstrate how to cut glass to her husband. But his lifetime passion came when he opened Alan Gallery, an art gallery and frame shop in Berea, Ohio, which he owned and operated for around 30 years. He retired in 2003.
While Alan was proud of his miliary service during the Korean War, the experience also caused him to sympathize with and assist those affected by war – most notably in Central America where his daughter lived for several years. Alan was one of the original founders of the Berea Arts Fest in 1990. Alan had a soft spot for animals, and he and Dottie logged many hours volunteering with the Berea Animal Rescue Fund. Alan also supported many environmental causes.
Alan was extremely proud, but never boastful, of the accomplishments of his family and close friends. He could always be counted on to chauffeur his daughter and granddaughter to extracurricular activities - whether dance lessons, play rehearsal, softball practice or horseback riding. And nothing could keep him from their performances or games. Alan loved the Metroparks, travel and attending live theater but was probably happiest when his family would share a meal together. There were many three-hour Sunday breakfasts that we will fondly remember, and “Pierogi Day” just won’t be the same without him. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson. Thanks Alan/Uncle/Dad/Grandpa - you sure made an important and lasting impact on our lives. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Berea Animal Rescue Fund, Berea Arts Fest or Doctors Without Borders (to assist the victims in Ukraine).
Private family interment held at Woodvale Cemetery in Middleburg Heights. Arrangements by the Jardine Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Alan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alan?
Share a story where Alan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alan you’ll never forget.
How did Alan make you smile?
