Dr. Edwin August Boger, Sr. 96, of North Providence, died on Thursday, December 26, 2019 while a Hope Hospice Care patient with his devoted wife at his side. Born in Providence, he was the first child of August and Fieda (Kuehner) Boger. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alfred, his daughter Joanne, and his son Edwin August Jr.
He was the beloved husband of Margaret E. (Pacey) Boger who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his daughter, Christine Hanley, grandchildren Catherine and Elizabeth Hanley, Megan and Christopher (Laura) Jenkins, and great grandchildren Amanda, Ryan, and Liviana, his brothers, Henry Boger of Hoover, Alabama and Robert (Gail) Boger of Silver Springs, Maryland and three nephews and a niece.
Ed was very proud of his German heritage. He was proficient in German, loved singing German drinking songs, and enjoyed eating sauerkraut, spare ribs and spaetzle, his favorite dinner. He was deeply bonded with his German and Swiss cousins. Seeing the Passion Play in Oberamergau three different time was a thrilling spiritual experience, He would have liked to go again in 2020.
His father decided his first career pathway, a jewelry tool and die making apprenticeship which began the day after high school graduation. He became a skilled journeyman and apprentice instructor.
His career was interrupted when he entered the Navy in WWII and changed when he decided to go to college. He earned degrees at Valparaiso University, the University of Connecticut and Clark. Ed’s tenure at Worcester State University evolved from Assistant Professor in 1968 to Professor and Chairmen of the Biology department in the 1990’s.He maintained high standards and expectations as a teacher. As Chairman, he attained the respect and allegiance of his faculty and campus colleagues. When the new “Science Center” opened in 2000, under his leadership the Biology labs were well equipped for high level research and instruction. However, at age 76, he decided to move out rather than move into the new building, Thus he retired.
Ed was teaching and working on his PhD dissertation when Edwin Jr. was born with multiple heart defects. There was no cure. Being little Edwin’s father was a profound, joyous/grief experience. Daddy made every minute count. He prayed with him. He read and sang to him. He made time to take him to every fire station in the area. They built a cardboard house together. They watched Sesame Street often. Little Edwin knew that he was God’s child, that he was loved, what family meant. Oma and Mrs. Schmidt were dear to him. Shortly before he died at age three, he told his daddy, “I love Mommy, but you are my best friend”. This gift from God changed our lives. Love and peace reigns in our hearts and relationships. Thanks be to God.
Ed was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was a deeply religious Christian. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Elmwood Avenue in Providence and more recently at Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Smithfield where he was one of the founding fathers. Having a passion for those in need, he was a generous supporter of many church, social, and charitable institutions and individuals. He played an important role in maintaining a headquarters for the Seaman’s International Maritime Ministry in New England. A trust fund given in memory of little Edwin has already been split between Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. A Biology Scholarship fund has been instituted at Worcester State University. Ed has served on the Board of Directors of the former Lutheran Social Services of New England and the Epiphany Meal Site where he was a former volunteer and cook for over 30 years. His last servant endeavor was a bread ministry for church and homeless agencies in Providence. He took seriously his calling: Love God. Serve your neighbor.
After his retirement, travel was a high priority. We visited almost every state in the U.S. and 22 foreign countries. The gym and Bone Builder’s were a must. Music and museums were highly favored activities. The calendar was cleared for the Patriots and the Red Sox game. Ed was an excellent softball pitcher himself in his younger days. He loved entertaining family and friends in his home. His many ties, quick wit and humor, and cheese cake cupcakes were the “talk of the town”. Probably having the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch in 1996 one of his greatest memories.
He had a long, productive life. Rest in peace.
Relatives and friend are invited to Visitation from 1-6 p.m. in the Anderson Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 and Greenville Commons on Friday, January 3, 2020. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 54 Cedar Swamp Road. Smithfield, RI 02917. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be donated to Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Boger Endowed Scholarship (Worcester State University) or any church or charity of your choice.