It is with great sadness that we must report the recent passing of Lol Bolino, former Vice Chair of Hertfordshire FA

From his early days as a player with Hemel Hempstead Rovers in the early 1950s, through many decades as a match official, Lawrence ‘Lol’ Bolino had a lifelong love of football.

A dedicated servant of the game, he held a great many roles during a long and distinguished career as a volunteer across Hertfordshire, from Chair of the Hemel Hempstead and District Referee’s Society, Chair of the Hemel Minors League, through to President of Leverstock Green FC.

He also served on the Hertfordshire Youth FA, back when it was a separate entity, becoming a member of Hertfordshire FA when the two merged. Lol was widely recognised as a hard-working and knowledgeable colleague, serving the Association in many different capacities on numerous committees down the years.

These qualities were recognised by the Hertfordshire FA Council who later elected him to serve as Vice Chair, a position he held through to his retirement at the age of 75, when he became Honorary Vice President. His contribution to the game was considerable and his loss will be keenly felt throughout the Hertfordshire football community.

Graham Phillips, Chair of Hertfordshire FA said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Lol’s passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside him for many years and his commitment for developing the game, particularly for young people was unwavering. The impact of his efforts will continue to be felt for years to come”.

Bill Dawes who served alongside Lol at both Hertfordshire FA and Leverstock Green FC said “From first encountering him as a referee in a game I was playing in back in the 1960s, our paths crossed and combined a great deal over the years and we became good friends. I got to see first-hand his passion for the game and it was a privilege to follow in his footsteps, he will be sadly missed.”

Everyone at Hertfordshire FA sends their sincere condolences to his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements

For those that wish to pay their respects, the funeral will be held at West Herts Crematorium in Watford on Thursday 16th December 2021 at 12.40 pm. Anyone attending is invited by the family to join afterwards at Hemel Hempstead FC for refreshments.

They have however requested that only family bring flowers and that others are invited to make a donation to British Heart Foundation in his honour.