Jack E. Boland

February 24, 1928 - October 18, 2022

Jack E. Boland, age 94, passed away peacefully at his family’s long-time home in Los Altos Hills on October 18, 2022. An only child, Jack began his life as a third-generation resident of San Mateo, where he was born to Edna Anderson Boland on February 24, 1928. As a young teenager, he enjoyed honing his meticulous work ethic and inherent ability to work with his hands by building cars from scrap metal and spare parts. These gifts would serve him well over the course of his lifetime.

After graduating from San Mateo High School, Jack began working at the American Can Company in San Francisco, where he would ultimately work for 37 years. His career was put on hold when he was drafted into the Army at the age of 26. Jack served 2 years in Korea as a Turret Artillery Repairman, earning the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals. He returned from the war to his job at the “Can Co” where he met the love of his life, Doris Oberti. They were happily married for 63 years.

Among his many accomplishments at the American Can Company, Jack was instrumental in designing and developing the first pull tab can, widely accepted and used on beer and soda cans (evolving into what many now know as the “pop top”). He later went to work at GTE Sylvania in Mountain View as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer and retired a few years later. He was a long-time member of the Palo Alto Elks and the Peninsula Italian American Social Club in San Mateo.

In retirement, Jack enjoyed travelling with Doris, tinkering in his workshop, and playing golf twice a week with his buddies.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Doris; son, Bob, and daughter-in-law, Mary Ann; and two beloved grandsons, Mike (Sarah) and Matt (Amy), who affectionately knew him as “Papa”. He is also survived by a son Ronald and his family.

Jack will be dearly missed by his family and friends (although he outlived most of them). A private service will be held in the near future.