WWII Vet Named Honorary Morris County Sheriff For A Day On His 100th Birthday

BOONTON, NJ — It was a very happy birthday for one Boonton veteran: hometown hero Stephen Bolcar celebrated his 100th birthday, now known as Stephen J. Bolcar Day, as an honorary Morris County Sheriff.

Bolcar was picked up for his birthday celebration in a vintage patrol car by Sheriff Jim Gannon. The celebration was held at Johnny's Tavern, where he was given a proclamation written by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, and a proclamation written by county freeholders.

It was more than just his birthday; it was officially Stephen J. Bolcar Day. August 5, 2017 was dedicated to honoring Bolcar by the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

“Mr. Bolcar has been a lifelong friend of the Gannon family, and to me personally. As a young police officer in Boonton, he always spent time with me and gave me advice on my career,’’ Gannon said. “He always has been a supporter of what is right. He holds people to a very high standard. During my candidacy for Sheriff, he worked with me on a daily basis. He has always been there for me and I will always be there for him. He is a most conscientious person and a huge part of the Greatest Generation of Americans. I salute him and tip my cap.’’

Bolcar served as a tail gunner in World War II, and is well known in Boonton and Morris County community.

Read more about his life, as written by the Morris County Administrator:

Stephen Bolcar was born in Paterson on Aug. 3, 1917. His mother, Julia, died in 1919 during the Great Influenza Outbreak, and he was raised by his grandparents in Paterson, where he attended one year of high school before going to work to help support the family during the Great Depression.

He began military service six months prior to the nation’s entry into World War II, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in battles and campaigns throughout Europe, and received numerous decorations, including the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, with three bronze stars; and the Croix de Guerre, awarded by France, among others.

Following his discharge in 1945, he married Emily Westura, who was his wife for 64 years before her passing in 2010, and the couple settled in their home at 413 Boonton Avenue in Boonton, where they raised their family, including children Judy, Stephen, and Allen.

Stephen retired from RFL (Radio Frequency Laboratories) in 1983, and was a staunch supporter of his community, serving as a Boonton Alderman and Police Commissioner, VFW member and post commander, member of the Knights of Columbus, usher at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, active in Boy Scout activities, and was named Citizen of the Year in Boonton in 2016.

Images via Morris County Government