NEW BEDFORD — Robert Owen Boardman of New Bedford, died August 12, 2012, at Brandon Woods of New Bedford, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was the spouse of Gerald T. Croteau and the son of the late William E. B. Boardman and the late Evelyn (Cain) Boardman.
Mr. Boardman was born in Cambridge, Ma. in 1934 and resided in Belmont, Ma. as a child. In later life he lived in Boston, and in Cataumet, Ma. and has resided in New Bedford since 1980. He was a graduate of Putney School in Vermont, Union College in Schenectady, NY, and received a MBA from Harvard Business School.
He served in the United States Air Force and the Massachusetts National Guard. During his military career Col. Boardman flew B52s, the F84, the F100 and transport planes, and was on active duty in Europe during the Berlin Crisis.
He was employed by Bank of Boston as a Vice President in the International Division and ended his career as a trust officer when he was transferred to the New Bedford offices.
He was the former Secretary-Treasurer of the Harvard Travelers' Club of Boston and The New Bedford Luncheon Club, Treasurer of the Harvard Club of New Bedford, and served on the boards of the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, and the Salvation Army, and was a member or patron of many other local organizations. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served as a Vestryman, former chair of the Personnel Committee and a member of the Ushers' Guild.
Mr. Boardman is survived by his life-partner of 37 years and spouse Gerald Croteau, his brother and sister-in-law John and Adrienne Boardman of Oak Bluffs, his brother and sister-in-law Gregory and MaryJo Boardman of Plymouth, his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Walter Brassert of Boston, Richard and Kathleen Thibault of Westminster, and eight nieces and nephews: William, Thomas, and Alexander Boardman, Amy Brassert Hankin, Claire Brassert Alexander, Kate Brassert, Amanda Thibault Langevin, and Stephanie Thibault Ulinski, and five great nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Joan Brassert.
He is also survived by many friends whom he considered his chosen family, and whom we thank for their love, support and active hands-on help with his care throughout his illness. We thank also the staff of the Alzheimer's Unit at Brandon Woods for their gentle and compassionate care in his last days.
Visitation will take place on Friday, August 17th, from 6-8 p.m. in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., corner of Elm St., NB. His funeral with Holy Eucharist will be on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church at 422 County St., corner of School St., NB.
Remembrances may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.