William Bolling, 85, retired merchant
William W. Bolling of Seal Beach, Calif., a former Ridgefielder who operated stores here and who was an expert golfer, died Friday, July 25. He was 85 years old.
Mr. Bolling was born Nov. 7, 1917 in Winston Salem, N.C., and served in the European Theatre with the U.S. Army in World War II.
Upon returning home Mr. Bolling began working for Gristedes Brothers grocery in Port Chester, N.Y. He moved to Ridgefield in 1948 to manage the Gristedes store on Main Street.
After the grocery store closed, he managed Gristedes Liquors, before buying it in 1958 and changing the name to Bolling Liquors.
Mr. Bolling and his family lived on Main Street. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club, the American Legion and the VFW.
In 1980, after selling his liquor store to the Liberta family, Mr. Bolling retired and moved to Seal Beach. There, he was a member of the American Legion and president of the UVF Swing Club.
An avid golfer, Mr. Bolling recorded an incredible 13 holes-in-one in his lifetime.
Mr. Bolling is survived by his wife of 63 years, Naomi M. Bolling; a daughter, Patricia A. Chakar of Somerfield, Fla.; a son, William J. Bolling of Needham, Mass.; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A graveside service took place Tuesday, Aug. 12, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich.