July 26, 1922 - April 11, 2012

ELKHART — Edward J. “Eddie” Bollero Sr., 89, of Elkhart, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 11, 2012, at Greenleaf Health Campus after a brief illness.

He was born July 26, 1922, in Negaunee, Mich., of the union of Lorenzo and Maria (Bogetto) Bollero. He later married the love of his life, Albena K. “Bena” Manfredi, on Oct. 15, 1949, in Elkhart, who survives him after 62 years of marriage.

Also surviving are daughters Susan (Richard) Stack of Elkhart and Barbara (Paul) Simeri of Granger; sons Edward J. (Karen) Bollero Jr. of Bristol and Steven L. (Traci) Bollero of Elkhart; and his 13 loving grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers.

Eddie was the co-owner of the former Joe & Eddie’s Restaurant at Bulldog Crossing for more than 30 years. He was a 1940 graduate of Elkhart High School, and he proudly served his country in the United States Army in campaigns including the Po Valley, Naples Foggia, Rome Arno and the North Apennines from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1945. Eddie never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was very proud of and enjoyed talking about his Italian heritage and the war. He was a member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus Council 1043, Elkhart Moose Lodge 599, Bristol American Legion Post 143 and the I.A.R.A. (Italian American Relief Association). He enjoyed fishing, golfing and gardening.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., in Elkhart, where a parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, April 16, 2012, with additional calling starting at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., in Bristol. The Rev. Robert A. VanKempen will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart with full military honors rendered by Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorials may be given to the Women’s Care Center of Elkhart, St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the charity of one’s choice. To share a memory or to send a condolence to the family visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.