Bruce Paul Bolen, DMD, a fondly regarded and highly respected dentist to several generations of the Marblehead community passed away on Aug. 16, 2026 at the age of 77. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bruce was the third child of the late Earl and Olga (Carraro) Bolen.
Growing up with his brother James, his sister Judy and a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins in Chicago and later in Westfield, New Jersey, Bruce had an insatiable curiosity for everything life had to offer and lived with pure joy. After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Bruce found his way to Marblehead and set down roots in the town he would call home for over 45 years.
Bruce practiced general dentistry in Marblehead and, because of his warmth, gentle touch and dental artistry, he was trusted and loved by his patients, many of whom became dear friends. Bruce also supported the community in many ways, including as a member of Marblehead Rotary Club. In addition to his contributions to the Rotary’s local and international causes, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Rotarians as a member of the scholarship committee and helping to sell tickets for the annual Rotary Lobster Raffle during the Festival of the Arts.
He appreciated the beauty of his community and the friends and neighbors who were a part of his life. Bruce made the most of every day, often asking “What’s next?” so he would not waste a minute. In his leisure time, he was happiest being active and pursued interests that were aligned with his love of nature. He brought passion and commitment to golf, sailing, skiing, bicycling and hiking. He was a long time member of Tedesco Country Club and Eastern Yacht Club. Some of his achievements include winning or placing in many Tedesco golf tournaments and in championship regattas as a member of the Marblehead Rhodes 19 Fleet.
Bruce was also an avid traveler, always ready for interesting adventures to meet new people and explore new places. With a warm smile and genuine interest in others, Bruce would readily strike up a conversation with people he met along the way, whether on a chair lift going up a mountain, teeing up in a random pairing for golf or in a museum or concert venue. He had a great appreciation for the arts, supporting local artists and musicians, the Marblehead Arts Association, Marblehead Festival of Arts, Marblehead Summer Jazz and Peabody Essex Museum. Bruce filled his home with music from a diversity of genres, that ranged from old favorites to new recordings, and he would share his love of it with everyone who visited.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife Kim Barber; his sister Judy Deutsch and her husband Stephan; his niece Rachel Gingold, her husband Brian, and their children James and Avery; and his nephew Charles Deutsch, his wife Leslie, and their children Beau and Roman. He was predeceased by his brother James Bolen. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Bruce’s life on Sept. 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tedesco Country Club, 154 Tedesco St. Memorial donations to honor Bruce may be made to: Care Dimensions (75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or caredimensions.org/donate), or Alzheimer’s Association (320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or alz.org). For online information and tribute wall, please visit bostoncremation.org.
