Robert Boeshore, middle school teacher and Roslyn Heights patriarch, dies at 94

Every morning, Robert Boeshore left his five children with a gentle reminder: "Do something nice for someone today," his family said. This mantra made up his being as a father, teacher and friend.

"He opened up his home to everyone. No matter what it was, my father stopped to help anyone," his daughter, Robyn Whelan, of Centennial, Colorado, said.

The Roslyn Heights resident died of natural causes on March 25 at age 94.

Robert Boeshore was born on Nov. 12, 1931, in Astoria, Queens. He graduated from Oswego State College -- where he met his wife, Lillian -- with a degree in industrial arts in 1954. The couple married that year and raised five children: son Richard and daughters Robyn, Heidi, Michelle and Lisa. The family moved to Roslyn Heights in the 1960s.

"As a dad, he was someone you could depend on and go to for anything. He was always giving of himself and taught us to value others," Whelan said. "Dad taught us gratitude, resilience, and not to give up when things get tough."

Boeshore spent his career teaching woodworking at several middle schools in Queens. He wanted to make learning fun for his students.

"He went way out of his way for them and his program — gathering supplies, making devices for handicapped children, and doing sailboat races in Central Park," Whelan said of her father, who retired from teaching in 1990. "He knew how to do so many things, and he loved instilling that knowledge in kids. They respected him."

In 1973, Boeshore took a six-month sabbatical and traveled with his family across 22 countries in Europe and northern Africa in a Volkswagen camper. The family also traveled to 48 states and throughout Canada during the summer.

Boeshore was a longtime member of the South Park community in Roslyn Heights, serving as president of the South Park Civic Association for many years. He beautified the neighborhood by planting trees and flowers and hanging wreaths on street corners during the holiday season, his family said.

South Park "was a very tight community," Whelan said. "He was a big part of making that cohesiveness and made sure everyone looked out for each other."

"He epitomized the term 'good neighbor' and gave this Long Island neighborhood the feeling of an old-fashioned small town in America," said Boeshore's friend and South Park neighbor Bobbie Levy. "Robert Boeshore is our South Park hero, patriarch and icon. His legacy will live on."

For several decades, Boeshore organized the community's annual Halloween parade and, most memorably, dressed up as Santa and drove around the neighborhood collecting presents for children in need. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was heavily involved in the Church of St. Mary in Roslyn.

John Little, of Huntington, met Boeshore at St. Mary in the mid-2000s and was a fellow member of the Knights of Columbus. He said Boeshore would want to be remembered as someone who "simply helped."

"His mission in life was to help his fellow man and neighbor. He just wanted to lift you up in some way," Little said. "One of the pleasures of my life was knowing Bob Boeshore."

According to Whelan, Boeshore was a loving grandfather who "showed interest in everything his grandchildren did.."

"He was a great storyteller and had a great sense of humor," she said. "He always told them, 'Whatever you decide to do in life, no matter what it is, just do it to the best of your ability.' "

Boeshore loved to dance, especially the polka. He also enjoyed sailing, camping, traveling, woodworking in his garage and going on walks around his neighborhood.

When asked how he would want to be remembered, Whelan said it would be for what he treasured most in life: family, friends, his faith.

"I think Dad would want to be remembered as someone you could count on. He always hoped that he did right by people," she said.

In addition to his daughter, Boeshore is survived by his wife, Lillian; son, Richard Boeshore, of upstate Hopewell Junction; daughters Heidi Whelan, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Michelle LeDioyt, of upstate Poughkeepsie; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His daughter Lisa Boeshore predeceased him. Funeral services were on April 10 at Church of Saint Mary in Roslyn followed by interment at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury. Donations were made in Boeshore's name to Tunnel to Towers and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.