Obituary of Brian D Bosland

Brian David Bosland, 65, of Manchester, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, of a cardiac arrest. Brian was born in Warwick, Rhode Island on June 1, 1958, the first of four children of Caroline M. and David G. Bosland. Brian lived most of his life in central New Jersey. 

Growing up, Brian lived in Chatham, Old Bridge, and Bridgewater, New Jersey. After graduating from Bridgewater Raritan High School East in 1976, Brian lived for a short time in Salt Lake City, Utah. After returning to New Jersey, Brian spent the majority of his life in Hillsborough, New Jersey. He had also lived in Oldwick, Branchburg, and Manville. In anticipation of retirement, Brian recently moved to Manchester, New Jersey. 

Brian worked in the water and sewer line services section of the residential construction industry, initially as a laborer, then crew chief, and for many years as a highly skilled heavy equipment operator, most recently with Earle. He was a reliable and hard worker who took great pride in his chosen profession. 

Outside of work, Brian enjoyed learning about the local history of Pluckemin, New Jersey and surrounding towns. He frequented the Lambertville flea market as well as postcard and antique bottle shows throughout the tri-state area hunting for old postcards and bottles, particularly from central New Jersey. Brian often camped in upstate New York with friends. He was a fan and regular spectator at New Jersey dirt track racing, and also enjoyed attending auto and camping shows. For years, he was a team member in the Friday Night C Bowling League that won several championships, and the Hunterdon County Pool League. From work and his avocations, Brian’s calm and easy-going demeanor won him many friends. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his friends from high school and their significant others. Brian organized many get-togethers of his friends, including an annual gathering to honor the memory of his best friend, Lee Kasman, who passed away in 2015. Brian also enjoyed relaxing with family at our summer home on Block Island, Rhode Island.

Brian will be deeply missed by his mother, Caroline Bosland of Bridgewater; his three brothers, Carl Bosland and spouse Sharon Cornelius of San Diego, CA; Kenneth Bosland and spouse Wendi Bosland of North Attleboro, MA; Mark Bosland and spouse Gina Bosland of Colts Neck, NJ; and six wonderful nieces and nephews, Julie, Lindsey, Ben, Henry, Ellen, and Marta. Brian was predeceased by his father, David G. Bosland. 

Memorial Service for family and friends will be held from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. The family welcomes donations to the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills, https://somersethillshistoricalsociety.org/ as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.