Winfield S. Bollinger, 1935-2012: Professor at UT was jazz lover, musician

Winfield S. "Ed" Bollinger II, a University of Toledo professor of political science who was a jazz lover and played vibes and harmonica on area bandstands, died Aug. 25 in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, South Detroit Avenue. He was 76 and suffered from cancer.

His last performance was in hospice, when he played harmonica with two bandmates who stopped by, his wife, Genevieve, said.

Mr. Bollinger of West Toledo became a UT professor emeritus in 1993 and retired in 2000.

As a political science professor, he taught advanced courses in criminal justice, constitutional law, and public administration. He helped create a degree program aimed at police officers.

At whatever level, though, he hoped he inspired students to think and broaden their minds, his son Fred said.

"He was trying to make you go, 'Hmm,' " his son said. "One of the things with him was that the best part of political science is that you can influence young people's minds."

He found politics fascinating, and he had little patience with those who complained about the political system when they didn't know much about it -- and didn't vote, his wife said.

Dan Seeman, a retired UT health sciences and human services professor, said: "He was an excellent professor. My kids loved him.

"And the good thing about a good professor is they want to hear what you have to say, and they feel comfortable discussing the issue with you," Mr. Seeman said. "That's the way Eddie was."

Mr. Bollinger had a doctorate from Syracuse University. He arrived at UT in 1967 as he was completing course work on that degree. UT gave him his first and only professional job teaching political science.

He was a member of professional organizations in political science, public administration, and criminal justice.

He was largely self-taught and played vibraphone and harmonica by ear. To practice, he played along as he listened to records by vibist Terry Gibbs and other jazz musicians.

"That's how he learned to get the right sound," his wife said.

For more than 20 years, he was part of Mr. Seeman's quintet, which performed for events on and off campus -- from the faculty club to the Toledo Club.

"He played great vibes. He really added to our sound," Mr. Seeman said.

Mr. Bollinger also dabbled in painting, his wife said.

"His mind never stopped," she said. "He was always thinking about something. Anything that was of interest to him, he would pursue it."

He was born Dec. 5, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Helen and Winfield S. Bollinger, Sr.

He attended St. John Preparatory School -- where a coach, in a listing of those who made the football team, posted Mr. Bollinger's name as "Ed." Asked about it, the coach said, "'There's not going to be any Winnie on my team. You're Ed,'" Mr. Bollinger's wife said.

He received an associate's degree in electronic engineering from the RCA Institute of New York City. He worked for General Electric on an early warning missile detection team in those Cold War Days. He was assigned to posts on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas and in Turkey.

Afterward he attended Syracuse University, where he developed his interest in political science. He received a bachelor's degree in 1963.

Surviving are his wife, Genevieve, whom he married Dec. 26, 1960; sons, W. Scott III and Fred; daughter, Lorraine Hass; brother, John Bollinger; sister, Madeline McMahon, and four grandchildren.

Memorial services in October at UT are pending. The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.