Obituaries

Donald H. Boerum

Longtime Orient resident Donald H. Boerum passed peacefully at home Dec. 11. He was 89. 

Mr. Boerum was born June 13, 1927, to Henry and Hilda (Benjamin) Boerum at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport. They lived in Greenport during his childhood years along with his sister, Elizabeth Ann Boerum.

He graduated from Greenport High School in 1945 where he was editor of the school paper and a member of the National Honor Society.

Mr. Boerum joined the U.S. Navy immediately after high school and served from June 1945 to August 1946, attainted the rank of seaman first class and served as a chaplain’s assistant.

After being discharged from the Navy, he pursued his passion for learning by earning a Doctorate in Education along with a bachelor’s degree in history from Utica College and was a charter member of the Phi Alpha Theata history honor society.

Mr. Boerum taught school in Quogue before settling in Orient where he taught at Oysterponds UFSD from 1951 until 1970 when he became superintendent. He held the position until 1988.

In 1970 he joined the Oysterponds Historical Society, serving as president. Because of his tireless work for the society, the research library was named in his honor and he is listed as an honorary trustee.

Mr. Boerum’s other great passion was music. He was the organist and choir director for the Greenport Methodist Church and for over 75 years, served as organist in many churches in the area.

Predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Ann Boerum Dennis, Mr. Boerum is survived by his niece, Sharon Elmore Dennis of Madison, Conn.; his nephew, Robert Dennis of Amesbury, Mass.; great-niece, Jennifer Elmore of Newburyport Conn. and great-nephew, Stephen Dennis of New York City. He will be greatly missed by his longtime caregiver, Kristine McGroary.

 

 

There will be a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Orient Methodist Church.

This is a paid notice.