Colm Bohill
Friends, family and colleagues remembered him most for his ability to find humor in any moment and his gift for finding just the right words to capture any occasion.
Colm Bohill, 69, a longtime partner with the Independent News Group, died Monday night, April 13, at Whidden Hospital in Everett following a brief illness. Those who knew him best cherish these memories of his warmth and wit.
When the Independent News Group was established in 1999, Bohill was there from the start. Though his primary role was in Marketing, his responsibilities extended far beyond a single department. He frequently served as the welcoming face for visitors arriving at the company’s Revere headquarters. Behind the scenes, he earned recognition as a meticulous copy editor with an eye for detail—someone who asked the right questions, read between the lines, and provided the crucial final check before publications went to print.
Born in Waterford, Ireland, Bohill spent his early years across Europe before settling in Boston. He carried with him a deep passion for soccer, particularly English Premier League matches, as well as hurling and other sports. His enthusiasm for these pursuits never wavered, though he came to embrace American sports with equal fervor.
After arriving in Boston during the 1970s, Bohill built a career in food and beverage service, working at notable establishments including the former Rusty Scupper in Faneuil Hall.
His transition into newspaper publishing proved natural. He adapted quickly to the industry and developed a genuine appreciation for local media. His reading habits reflected this passion—he consumed publications voraciously, including the very newspapers he helped produce.
His Irish heritage allowed him to share his accent and cultural pride with coworkers, children and friends alike. He held deep admiration for Ireland’s athletes, institutions and history. As St. Patrick’s Day approached, he would regale listeners with entertaining stories of the Old Sod, as he fondly called his homeland.
Annual trips back to Ireland to visit family remained an important part of his life.
Colleagues and friends knew him for his sharp wit, his gift for composing poetry in the Irish tradition, and the wisdom he’d accumulated through a richly varied life. These qualities blended with a feisty nature and a keen sense of biting humor.
On Broadway in Revere and formerly in Central Square of East Boston, local shopkeepers and residents knew him well. He possessed a natural ability to connect with people and was genuinely personable in both locations where he maintained newspaper offices. His street-level understanding of life was matched by an intellectual appreciation for the ideas of celebrated philosophers and writers.
His two young grandchildren, Clyde and Ellis, became a source of tremendous joy in his later years. He treasured their visits and the photographs that arrived by email.
Bohill maintained a residence on Park Avenue in Revere for many years until his death.
He was the son of the late Christie and Mary Bridget Bohill of Waterford. His siblings included Theckla Ryan, Bernie Rupp, John Bohill and Mamie Lawlor.
He is survived by his children Daniella (Bohill) Gulizia of Colorado and David Bohill.
His grandchildren are Clyde and Ellis Gulizia of Colorado. He maintained a cherished friendship with the DiGregorio Family of Revere.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours are scheduled at Buonfiglio’s Home for Funerals in Revere on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Revere on Monday at 10 a.m.