Donald Lee Bolen, age 79, died Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Sacramento, California.

He was born on October 19, 1944, to John and Josephine Bolen in Woodland, California.Don attended Bellarmine College Prep High School in San Jose, University of California at Davis, California State University Sacramento, and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

He served in the US Navy from July 1967 to March 1970, including as an officer on the USS Hancock aircraft carrier.  Don was awarded a Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’ for heroic achievement for his actions in Vietnam on May 10, 1969.  He was also awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In his career, Don was a farmer, entrepreneur, and a Certified Public Accountant until retirement.  A lifelong Catholic, he gave generously to the Church and many charitable causes, and some of his closest friends were made at the Newman Center in Sacramento while he was in grad school.  

Don loved his family and friends, which he demonstrated through unwavering dedication, commitment, and kindness. He delighted in becoming a grandfather. He is survived by his children, Rachel Kennedy and Kevin Bolen; three grandchildren; his siblings Diana Neal, Deborah Enos, and Richard Bolen; and many nieces and nephews.

He is interred at the Veteran’s Lawn at Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center in Citrus Heights, California. Donations in his memory may be made to two causes close to his heart: the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.