Whitney F. Bolton, PhD

Dr. Whitney F. Bolton, 93, of Granby, CT passed away at home on May 18, 2024 after a long illness. He was the beloved husband to Karen A. Sadler Bolton and formerly to Margaret Gosling. He was the son of the late Frances Schiff and John Whitney Bolton.

Whitney was born in NYC and later moved to Los Angeles as a child. He attended Horace Mann Lincoln High School in NYC, Bard College in 1951 (John Bard Scholar), Fulbright Scholar, University College London from 1953-1954. Whitney received his PhD from Princeton University and served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957 aboard the U.S.S. Olmstead where he served as editor of the ship's newspaper. He was a Research Fellow at the University of Reading, England from 1957-59, Assistant Professor at the University of Cailifornia, Berkley from 1960-61, University of Reading, England: Lecturer 1961-64, Senior Lecturer 1964-65, Simon Fraser University, Canada; Visiting Professor 1968-69,, Chair of the English Dept., Douglass College, 1971-74, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ; Professor II 1973-1996 and retired from Rutgers in 1996.

He penned numerous books, articles and other publications throughout his career as a Medievalist, with special attention to Chaucer, Beowulf and History of the English Language. Whitney was a member of the Mercer Bucks Running Club while residing in Princeton, NJ and ran several marathons, including the NYC Marathon.

Beside his wife Karen, he leaves behind a daughter, Sarah and her husband Ari of Walla Walla, WA, stepdaughter Eileen and partner Craig of Georgetown, SC, and stepson Brian and wife Tara of Simsbury, CT. He leaves two half sisters, Charla Bolton and Grania Bolton Marcus of Rochester, NY and their families. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren; granddaughters Camden and Emma, and his grandsons Aaron, Gage, Tagh, and Gavin.

Whitney will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He had great interest in the plans of his grandchildren and will be remembered dearly by all of them. He often spoke fondly of his former students and colleagues.

Rest in God's loving embrace, Whitney. May God grant you a place of comfort, light and peace.