Alexander Glover Morgan Bolton, a US Army Infantryman, devoted son, and loving brother -- who lived up to his big name in many meaningful ways – was killed in a hail of gun violence on Oct. 9 in Albany. He was 29.
Alex served in Afghanistan, fighting courageously on the front line with the famed 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, NY. He chose the Infantry with his fellow Polar Bears, despite sky high test scores that offered his choice of specialties. But Alex was “boots on the ground.”
Alex was a loyal and courageous soldier who had to take a medical retirement on 100 percent disability status with massive bodily injuries, a traumatic brain injury, and was recently diagnosed with an advanced case of Sarcoidosis of the lungs from his time in Afghanistan.
Alex was a great son who loved golfing with his dad and any kind of family time with his mom. He was especially close with his younger sister Tori, who was his best friend.
He loved classical music and played the cello as a child. He drew creative caricatures and more recently enjoyed oil painting and watercolor. He was kind to animals. He became ordained online and performed several Army brothers’ weddings with flair.
He was brilliant at chess and family party games from cribbage and rummy to poker, Heads Up and charades, playing to win with gusto and rendering holidays hilarious and memorable.
Alex knew the value of friendship, going the extra mile, whether as a shoulder to lean on; to offer a drink, a cigar, and a sounding board; to making people laugh with his famous stories; or in quiet moments with a hug to remind a friend why they mattered.
Alex loved riding his motorcycle, the freedom an escape from his constant physical pain. He was excited about starting classes in electrical engineering on the GI bill. He was also making plans for his first trip to Europe while his health was still stable.
Alex is survived by his mother Michele Morgan Bolton, of New Bedford, MA; his father Jeffrey Bolton, of Averill Park, NY; a sister, Victoria Bolton, of New Bedford, MA; a sister Courtney Bolton, of Forestdale, MA; two nephews Cameron and Canyon Benjamin, of Forestdale, MA.
He is also survived by three aunts, the late Shelah Lunden, Terri Shepherd Beale (Billy Beale); Joan Morgan (Roger McDaniel); three uncles, Jason Morgan (Susan); Richard Bolton (Sheryl); Peter Bolton (Florie); and many loving cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Jo and John Morgan of Canton, MA, and Richard and Marion Bolton of North Greenbush, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment in Alex’s memory to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. To listen. Be a friend. And to raise your voice against gun violence. Donations can be made to Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action. Learn more here. #JusticeForAlex
Funeral home visiting hours will be held at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Monday, October 18th from 5-8pm. A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 19th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 111 High St., Taunton, MA at 11am. Visit our website www.okeefewade.com to view obituaries, directions or to sign our online guestbook. Donations in Alexander's memory can be made to; https://act.everytown.org/donate/etgsaf-tribute-donation/