Denise M. "Dee" Boland

Denise M. “Dee” Boland, age 74 years, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Renaissance of Richfield where she stayed briefly following a long illness at home.

Denise was born in Cleveland on June 7, 1951. She married the love of her life, Adrian (Gus), in 1971 and had three children. Together they moved to Richfield in 1987. She was a loving stay at home mom for many years, and continued loving and caring as a physical therapist assistant for her elderly patients. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed nature, wildlife, and thunderstorms. She also liked to read, bake, laugh, drink coffee, listen to music, go shopping, and spend time at home with her family and pets.

Preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Betty (Zarboc) LaFraniere, she is survived by her husband of 54 years, Adrian; sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Robin Boland of Seattle, Washington, and Brian Boland and Crystal Janas of Akron; daughter and son-in-law April and Nick Scholz of Tallmadge; grandchildren: Corina, Adrian, Alaina, and Deagan; brothers: David LaFraniere and Frank LaFraniere Jr. both of Cleveland, and Jay LaFraniere of Tennessee; sisters: Peggy (Frank) Arden of Louisville, Ohio, Lynn Shad of Parma Heights, Cheryl (Rick) Godic of Macedonia, Amy (Ken) Stoupa of Arizona, and Jan LaFraniere of Stow.

A memorial service honoring Denise’s life will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 20 at The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 North Miller Road, FAIRLAWN. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)