Laurence Stanislaus Bolchoz

Laurence S. Bolchoz, husband of Alice Degnan Bolchoz, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. The son of Frederick and Elizabeth Manning Bolchoz, Larry was born on August 15, 1923, in Charleston, South Carolina. A graduate of Bishop England High School, he received his Bachelor's Degree from the College of Charleston and his Master's Degree in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. Larry's education at the College of Charleston was interrupted by the start of World War II, during which he served two years in the U.S. Army. He returned to Charleston in 1945 and completed his education. His sixty-year career in education is an indication of the numerous and varied talents of this dedicated man: teacher at Riverside Military Academy - Gainesville, Georgia; Eastern Military Academy, Long Island, New York; Chicora High School; Walt Whitman Senior High School, Long Island, New York; and Garrett High School. He also served as Assistant Principal of Chicora High School; first Principal of Hunley Park Elementary School; Adjunct Professor of Education at The Citadel; and Director of Middle Schools for the Charleston County School District. Upon retirement from the public school system, he then served as the Interim Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, and as Assistant Principal of Instruction at Bishop England High School. He ended his educational career teaching French at C.E. Williams Middle School. Larry was published in many educational journals and also penned a novel during his retirement. Larry was a man of great faith and was a member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church for more than fifty years. He served as president of the Blessed Sacrament Men's Club and president of the Blessed Sacrament School Board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a long-time organist of the parish. He served his local community in many capacities, including as president of the Charleston Breakfast Exchange Club, first president of the South Carolina Middle School Association, and was appointed to the White House Conference on Children in 1970 by U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings. Survivors include Larry's devoted wife of 53 years, Alice Degnan Bolchoz; his daughter Elizabeth ("Beth") Corbett Kennerty and her husband Larry of Charleston; his son, Laurence S. Bolchoz, Jr., and his wife Melanie of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; and his daughter Mary Anne Bolchoz Tucker and her husband Joel of Charleston, South Carolina. Known for his penchant for nicknaming people, he greatly appreciated the fact that he was known to his grands as "Didaddy," "Granddaddy," and "Gran Gran," depending upon the grandchild. He was blessed with wonderful grandchildren who brought great joy to his life: Matthew Carlyle Corbett, Katherine Anne ("Katie") Corbett, Emily Michelle Corbett; Joshua Ryan Bolchoz, Kristen Brooke Bolchoz, Andrew Laurence Bolchoz; Ryan Patrick Tucker, Mary Margaret ("Molly") Tucker, Madeline Elizabeth ("Maddie") Tucker, and Alice Claire ("Allie") Tucker. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Allison Rebecca Kennerty and Caroline Marie Kennerty. In addition, he is survived by his sister Mary Bolchoz Harrell and her husband Allen; his brother Ruford Joseph Bolchoz, and his wife Margaret; his brother John Robert Bolchoz; and his sister-in-law Marcella (Sally) Runey LaTorre and her husband Joseph. Larry also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who were dear to him. Larry was pre-deceased by his parents; his brothers, Dr. William M. Bolchoz; Frederick William Bolchoz, Jr.; and Earl Anthony Bolchoz; his son-in-law, Michael Carlyle Corbett; his granddaughter, Meghan Elizabeth Corbett; and his sister-in-law Maureen Calder Bolchoz. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence S. Bolchoz are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, Friday, April 4, 2014 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 5:00 - 7:00pm at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Nicholas J. Theos Tuition Assistance Fund, Bishop England High School, 363 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29492; or to the Father McCarthy Catholic Education Fund at Blessed Sacrament School, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29407.