03/18/2026
Steve Thomas Bollo
December 6, 1941 – March 15, 2026
Steve Thomas Bollo of Irmo, South Carolina, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and proud Chicagoan, passed away on March 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 6, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Steve was the son of Julie (Gerger) Bollo and Steve Joe Bollo.
In his youth and throughout his life, Steve shared a deep and lasting bond with his extended family. His aunts, uncles, and cousins were a central part of his upbringing and remained important to him into adulthood. After the early loss of his father, the presence of his aunts and uncles helped fill that space, offering guidance, support, and love. His cousins were more than relatives—they were like a brotherhood that endured across the years and will continue beyond this lifetime. Many cherished memories were made together during long stays at Wonder Lake and family vacations in Wisconsin, where those connections were strengthened and celebrated.
Steve spent part of his youth attending the Glenwood School for Boys in Glenwood, Illinois, before graduating from Bloom Township High School. After high school he briefly attended Loyola University, but like many young men of his generation, he felt the call to serve his country. Steve joined the United States Army and proudly served during the Cold War, stationed at a missile site in Germany. Though far from home, those years were an important chapter of his life—one that shaped his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and quiet patriotism.
After returning home from military service, Steve began working at Oak Industries. It was there that fate stepped in and changed the course of his life forever. Steve met a young woman named Violet who was, at the time, considering a life in the convent. Fortunately for Steve—and for generations that would follow—his charm, wit, and unmistakable good looks convinced her that a different calling awaited her. What followed was a true love story that would last a lifetime.
Together Steve and Violet built a beautiful life and family, welcoming their two daughters, Catherine Anne and Jennifer Marie. Steve was a devoted husband and a loving father who took great pride in his family and worked hard to provide for them. In time, he would become an even prouder grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his grandchildren.
Professionally, Steve was ahead of his time. During the early days of the technology revolution, he became a pioneer in computer programming, working in a field that was still new and rapidly changing. His curiosity, intelligence, and ability to understand emerging technology allowed him to contribute to an industry that would eventually reshape the world. As a supervisor, Steve genuinely cared about his team both as people and as professionals, and he consistently sought to do the right thing—even when others did not. He was a man of true integrity, trusted and respected by those who worked alongside him.
Steve had a personality that made him unforgettable to everyone who met him. He loved telling jokes and had a gift for making people laugh. He was kind to everyone and had an easy way of striking up conversations with anyone he met, whether they were old friends or complete strangers. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in people meant that he never met a stranger for long.
Outside of work, Steve loved simple joys—family gatherings, laughter around the table, and cheering passionately for his beloved Chicago Bears. Through every season, good or bad, he remained a loyal fan.
Even in his final days, Steve’s personality shined through. His humor and spirit never faded, and he continued to make the nursing staff laugh, leaving the same impression on them that he did on everyone who crossed his path.
Above all else, Steve will be remembered for his devotion to the people he loved. He was a wonderful husband to Violet, a proud father to his daughters, and a deeply loving grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he was loved beyond measure in return.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Julie (Gerger) Baltruses; his father, Steve Joe Bollo; his stepfather, Tony Baltruses; and his beloved daughter, Catherine Bollo.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Violet Bollo; his daughter, Jennifer (Bollo) Riddle and son-in-law Brian Riddle; and his cherished grandchildren, Heidi Riddle, Brett Riddle, and Brooke Riddle.
Steve’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and the countless memories they will carry with them forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve’s honor to one of his favorite charities: Wounded Warriors, Food for the Poor, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fais de beaux rêves, Steve. Your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chapin-sc/steve-bollo-12783476
