Frank Curtis Bolser, 'Dr. B,' Dies at 89

Dr. Frank Curtis Bolser died Monday, June 28, 1999 while visiting at the home of his daughter in Hillsdale, NJ. He was 89 years of age at the time of his death.

He was born in New Castle, Indiana October 12, 1909 the only son of Dr. Harry W. Bolser and Lois Penal Saffell Bolser, a descendant of two Mayflower families, founders of Nantucket Island, and pioneers of Frederick and Montgomery counties Maryland.

He received degrees in mathematics and physics from Wabash College, the George Peabody College and the University of Florida. Dr. Bolser co-authored several editions of Basic Mathematics for General Education and authored Education in the Field of Mathematics in the USSR.

He was a dedicated, talented, and tireless teacher of higher mathematics in high schools and colleges for over 40 years. He began his career teaching in New Castle, Indiana. He then taught at Commercial High School, Atlanta from 1935 -1943 and U of GA Evening College from 1940 - 1943. From 1946 - 1952 and 1965 - 1971 he taught variously at Florida State U., the University of Florida, George Washington U. and NOVACC. He was head of the Mathematics Dept. of NOVA campus at Annandale, VA from 1971-1976. While a resident in Falls Church he helped to develop the higher mathematics program of the independent school system in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In his third retirement he taught advanced calculus for 13 years at Clearwater Central Catholic High and worked as a volunteer tutor at Clearwater Discovery and Kennedy Middle schools in Pinellas County being named the "School Volunteer of the Year" in 1997 by the Pinellas County School Board. He received a Timex "they keep on ticking" senior award from the State of Florida for his outstanding service.

During World War II Dr. Bolser volunteered for service in the Navy to teach navigation, but was assigned as Special Projects Engineer at the Radiation Lab, MIT where he was instrumental in the development of naval radar and utilization of chaff for radar evasion. Dr. Bolser continued his government work in analysis and engineering from 1952 - 1971, including being director of the Air Force Electronics School in Iran 1965-67. He remained in the Naval Reserves attending the Army War College at Carlisle and attaining the rank of Commander before his retirement from government service.

A tenth generation birthright member in the Society of Friends, Dr. Bolser was dedicated to God, his country and his family. He was frequently called upon to lead devotionals, teach classes and speak at retreats. A strong belief in Christian youth sports lead to his serving on the committee at Columbia Baptist Church which raised funds and built the activities and fellowship hall at the church.

His two sisters and his parents predeceased Dr. Bolser. He was survived by his wife of 65 years, Juliette, a daughter, Beverly Brown of Hillsdale, NJ, a son, William of Falls Church, VA, three grandchildren - Erika Brown, Kara Brown and Curtis R. Bolser - three nieces, a nephew, and numerous great nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at Calvary Baptist Church, Clearwater, Florida on September 11, 1999 with donations made in his honor to the University of Florida Foundation for the Frank C. Bolser Scholarship for graduate studies in mathematics.

His remains were donated to medical science and his ashes buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

As was also said of his forefather, Dr. Bolser "was a warm friend of education. He advocated the doctrines of Christianity. His faith in the Savior held out to the end. His family has the comforting assurance that his end is peace, and that he has joined those who preceded him in singing the songs of eternal praise in their celestial home".