It’s a gift that will keep on giving, even after its namesake founder has died.
A longtime friend of the late Bob Bolus announced Monday his annual Christmas Day dinner in Scranton will take place Dec. 25 for the 33rd year, this time in his memory.
“I’m proud to share that we’ll be continuing the tradition of the Bob Bolus Sr. Christmas Day Dinner for its 33rd year this Christmas,” Doug Miller said in the announcement.
The dinner will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church/All Saints Academy, 1425 Jackson St. in West Scranton, “in memory of Bob and to keep something alive that has meant so much to so many.”
Bolus, a tow-truck company owner and political activist, died at age 83 on Sept. 10 in a hospital from an illness.
Last December, Bolus hosted his 32nd annual free community turkey dinner with all the fixings. Over the years, he and volunteers dished out thousands of sit-down dinners and takeouts.
“As Bob always said, ‘Nobody should be alone on Christmas.’ Those words mean even more this year as we come together to honor Bob and carry on something he cared so deeply about,” said Miller, a dinner volunteer. “For so many, this dinner has become a Christmas tradition, and for the volunteers who return year after year, it’s become a family. It’s about more than a meal. It’s about bringing people together and making sure nobody feels alone on Christmas Day.”
Image of announcement poster for 33rd Annual Bob Bolus Sr. Christmas Day Dinner in West Scranton, to be held this year in his memory. Bolus died in September 2026 at age 83. (IMAGE PROVIDED / COURTESY OF DOUG MILLER)