Ralph Daniels Boisjolie

Ralph D. Boisjolie NORTH ADAMS Ralph D. Boisjolie, 95, who lived in North Adams until 1970, died in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 19, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his children. He was married and shared 55 loving years with the former Anne Rowley of Adams, who predeceased him in 1997. He was the son of Florence and Desire Boisjolie; his brother, Raymond, predeceased him in 1976. For 51 years, from 1934 to 1985, Mr. Boisjolie worked for Sprague Electric Co. as a mechanical engineer, living with his family in North Adams, West Jefferson, NC, Sanford, Maine, Brownsville, Texas, Visalia, Calif., and Tempe, Ariz. During his work years, he developed equipment and procedures that benefited Sprague, and he was awarded several patents. He was an accomplished violinist and played for his family and friends up to his death. In the 1940's, he and other Sprague musicians decided to form what became the Sprague Symphony Orchestra that in turn grew into the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra. During his years in North Adams, he was on the YMCA Board of Directors, played basketball on YMCA teams, and coached youth YMCA teams. He also served as president of the Sprague Management Club for several years. Mr. Boisjolie leaves nine children: Eileen and husband Michael O'Brien of Williamstown; Richard and wife Muriel Boisjolie of Manchester, NH; Kevin and wife Francesca Boisjolie of North Adams; Jacqueline and husband John Royal of Grand Island, NY; Kurt and wife Nancy Boisjolie of Southampton; Gregg Boisjolie of New York City, N.Y.; Rebecca and husband Todd Stephenson of Jacksonville, Fla.; Michael and wife Michele Boisjolie of Purcellville, VA; and Michelle and husband Wayne Harris of Seabrook, Texas. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law, and four sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom were very important to his life. The family is grateful to have had such a loving and unforgettable father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle. MEMORIAL NOTICE: A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams, MA, at 10:30 a.m. Charitable donations in memory of Ralph Boisjolie may be made to Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509; website: operationsmile.org.