Longtime Boston Marathon Finish Line Installer Dies, But Family Carries on Tradition

Ottavio 'Peppi' Bolognese installed the iconic finish line for 26 years before his death, and his family took over the task this year.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:05pm

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Ottavio 'Peppi' Bolognese, the founder and owner of Accurate Graphics in Lynn, Massachusetts, died from a brain tumor in October 2025 at the age of 82. Bolognese had helped install the Boston Marathon finish line for 26 years, making it a recognized symbol around the world. This year, his family took over the task of extending the famous line across the road one last time before his 24-year-old grandson Luke took over the family business.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon finish line is an iconic symbol of the race that is recognized globally. Bolognese played a key role in maintaining and installing this landmark for over a quarter-century, and his family's continued involvement in the tradition highlights the event's deep community roots.

The details

Bolognese, known as 'Peppi,' first started working on the finish line installation in the late 1990s after organizers decided to switch from paint to vinyl graphics to prevent runners from slipping and falling. He took great pride in being part of the finish line setup each year, even coming in 2025 shortly after a chemo round for his brain tumor. Bolognese's daughter Nicole said he was determined to lay down the finish line one last time before passing the torch to his grandson Luke, who now runs the family's sign business.

  • Bolognese first started working on the Boston Marathon finish line in the late 1990s.
  • Bolognese died from a brain tumor in October 2025 at the age of 82.
  • This year (2026), Bolognese's family took over the task of installing the finish line one last time before his grandson Luke took over the family business.

The players

Ottavio 'Peppi' Bolognese

The founder and owner of Accurate Graphics in Lynn, Massachusetts who helped install the Boston Marathon finish line for 26 years until his death in 2025.

Nicole Bolognese

Ottavio Bolognese's daughter who took over the task of installing the Boston Marathon finish line this year after her father's passing.

Luke Bolognese

Ottavio Bolognese's 24-year-old grandson who took over the family's sign business after his grandfather's death.

Boston Athletic Association (BAA)

The organization that oversees the Boston Marathon and worked with Ottavio Bolognese on the finish line installation for many years.

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What they’re saying

“'For many years Peppi took great care and pride in being part of the finish line installation, knowing that the finish art — and crossing the line itself— would be memorable for so many,'”

— Chris Lotsbom, BAA spokesperson

“'I didn't want him to go because he was just coming off of a chemo round. And he's like, 'I'm going'. I said, 'then please just don't go on the ground,'' his daughter recalled. 'And then there he is on the ground. That was just my dad. Nothing could stop him.'”

— Nicole Bolognese, Ottavio Bolognese's daughter

“'There is a picture of my dad explaining something to my nephew, which was the perfect 'pass the torch' moment,' she said. 'I actually had it framed for both of them. I gave it to my dad for Father's Day because he had never seen it. He loved being the teacher, the mentor, the grandfather.'”

— Nicole Bolognese, Ottavio Bolognese's daughter

What’s next

The Boston Athletic Association plans to honor Ottavio Bolognese's legacy at the 2026 Boston Marathon by featuring his family in the finish line installation ceremony.

The takeaway

Ottavio Bolognese's decades-long dedication to the Boston Marathon finish line installation exemplifies the deep community ties and personal passion that make the iconic race so special. Even after his passing, his family is committed to carrying on his tradition, ensuring the finish line remains a symbol of triumph for generations to come.