Ioan Bolohan

Ioan “Ţuţu” Bolohan was born in Timişoara, Romania, and grew up in Bucharest. In his youth, he enjoyed studying martial arts, hiking the mountains of Transylvania, and tinkering with all types of electronics – ultimately leading to him obtaining a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the country’s top university. Through his expertise in technology, Ioan was granted special authorization to travel outside of the Iron Curtain for international projects during the communist regime. Using this opportunity, he escaped Romania through Switzerland and settled in West Germany in 1986. It was in the West that he met his wife, Emine Burçak Bolohan, and together, they moved to the US in 1994. After touring the country, they settled in North Carolina, where they raised their two children, Benek (Benie) and Ioan (IB). Here, he achieved his lifelong American Dream – becoming a US citizen and starting a business through which he was able to positively impact his community. He loved skiing the Rockies, traveling the world, running half-marathons, experimenting with new recipes, swimming in the Mediterranean, piloting drones, sharing philosophical musings, telling stories, dancing at any given opportunity, and teaching his children all that he had learned in life. Ioan made every moment count, lived life to the fullest, and fit decades of adventure into his short time on Earth. He lived to learn, laugh, and help others do the same. He was a loving husband, father, and friend – a hero and an inspiration – and he will be dearly missed. Ioan is survived by his wife, Emine Bolohan, of Raleigh, NC; his daughter, Benek Bolohan, of Atlanta, GA; his son, Ioan Bolohan, of Boston, MA; and his mother, Silvia Bolohan, of Bucharest, Romania. The family extends heartfelt thanks for the kindness and love shown by so many family members, neighbors, friends, and medical professionals as he battled multiple myeloma over the last six years. The outpouring of support has been a testament to the relationships Ioan built in his life, and has helped his family through this difficult time. The family appreciates all of the thoughts and prayers, and thanks everyone for the moments they shared with Ioan that gave his life beauty, color, meaning, and adventure. His funeral services will take place at Bryan Lee Funeral Home at 831 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, NC on July 27th at 1:30pm. During the service, guests will have an opportunity to share reflections in his memory. Ioan will be laid to rest at Historic Oakwood Cemetery at 701 Oakwood Avenue in Raleigh, NC at 3:30pm. A reception for friends and family will follow the committal service at 516 Grosvenor Drive in Raleigh, NC at 5:30pm. If you choose to send flowers, they can be addressed to Bryan Lee Funeral Home. If you choose to make a donation in his memory, Ioan’s family supports Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN, and all donations in his name are appreciated. When Ioan was undergoing clinical trial treatments for multiple myeloma at the Mayo Clinic, this organization did a lot to care for him and his wife, supporting them during a difficult time.