Jesse Boland, 29

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Jesse Adam Boland was born on Sunday, March 20, 1994, the first day of Spring. He was welcomed into the world at 10:20AM by his beautiful mother Michele and adoring older siblings, Becky (Boland) McConnell and Jimmy Boland. His hearty laughter, beautiful blue eyes, giant bear hugs, jokes, and quips (that only Jesse could make) were constants and their absence is a precious reminder that his earthly life was ephemeral.

In the early morning of Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Jesse unexpectedly suffered a brain hemorrhage. Despite the earnest effort of his surgeon, he was unable to recover. Jesse passed away later that evening under the light of a Pisces Blue Moon, his hands held by his family. Also at his bedside were four of his lifelong friends, Dan, Dylan, Steve, and Zach. His family is forever thankful that these wonderful men were able to reminisce over the endless memories they shared with Jesse before saying their goodbyes.

Jesse attended Greylock Elementary School and then Conte Middle School in North Adams, where he would make friends that lasted his entire lifetime. Upon graduating Drury High School in 2012, he continued his education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in May 2017. He worked several jobs beginning in high school, from humble beginnings baling hay at Burnett’s Farm in Adams to his most recent employment with Berkshire Health Systems. He also helped coach a local Little League team, thoroughly enjoying his work with young children. Wherever Jesse went, he always made friends and left a lasting impression. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and put them at ease. To know him was to love him.

Jesse may have been the baby of the family, but at 6’3” he could certainly hold his own and never let his older brother Jim forget it! Dirt bike races, athletic fields, concerts, and summer events at the lake were all moments that Jesse cherished growing up. Forever the die hard New England sports fan, he was so appreciative whenever his close friend Dylan invited him along to watch the Pats play at Gillette Stadium.

From an early age, Jesse thoroughly enjoyed good food! He often shared his culinary tastes with his brother-in-law J. At only six-years-old, while most kids were ordering chicken tenders and French fries off the local menus, Jesse would request the baked salmon and vegetables. In middle school, he and his friends once accepted a dare to consume habanero peppers during lunch. Most of those friends were sent home feeling ill, with Jesse barely breaking a sweat! He looked forward to his sister’s taco soup every October on Parade Day and never turned down a home-cooked or exotic new meal.

Jesse was preceded in death by his father, Jim Boland, as well as his grandparents, Nicholas and Eileen Grieco, with whom he was extremely close. Besides his mother, two siblings, and brother-in-law, he leaves his best nephew James, beautiful nieces Kenley, Joelle, and Felicity (who fiercely loved their Uncle Jesse), his beloved dog and favorite companion, Daisy, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Our hearts have a gaping hole where he should be, but we pray that his memory will be kept alive through the countless laughs and stories made in his brief 29 years.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Jesse Boland will be Friday, September 15, 2023 from 9-11AM at Flynn & Dagnoli – West Chapel, 521 West Main St. North Adams with a graveside service to follow at Southview Cemetery. There will be a luncheon for family and friends upon departure of the cemetery (location to be announced). Donations may be made in Jesse’s name to the ALC program in Pittsfield (https://alccorp.org) or to the Drury High School Football Team.