Richard "Dick" Ronald Boston

RICHARD R. BOSTON of Upland, California, formerly of Vineland/Bridgeton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2010. He was born on July 8, 1934 in Vineland, New Jersey and graduated from Vineland High School in 1953. He was a veteran of the Korean War stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1956. He resided in Cumberland County until 2003, then relocated to California to live with his son. He was the son of the late Ruth C. Burton and James S. Boston and stepson of Walter Burton. He's predeceased by two brothers, James and Georgie. dick was the loving husband of Darlene A. Boston and loving father to James (J.R.) Boston and adopted son Fred G. Hovermann. He has three children by a previous marriage, Richard, Nanette and Randy.

He was the former owner of Corey Printing Inc. in Bridgeton until 1970 when he went to work for the Cumberland County Library where he later became the County Printer. He retired in June 1999 with 29 years of service.

Dick was a very active person enjoying many things in life. In his early years he enjoyed skating at Rainbow Lake and Vineland Skating Rink. He was the captain of the Hornets, a Roller Skating Hockey Team in Vineland and coach of a junior hockey team. He participated in all of the Roller Capers at Vineland Skating Rink. For years he skated competitively in dance, Pairs and figures. He served as a judge at many skating competitions throughout the east coast.

Later he became a student of martial arts attaining a 3rd degree black belt in Jui Jitsu and operated a martial arts school in Millville, New Jersey. He was active with the Jaycees in Pittsgrove and Bridgeton, where he served as 2nd Vice President for the State of New Jersey. He was also a Past President of the Bridgeton Exchange Club and a member of the Chapel of the Four Chaplin's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dick was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a district Commissioner of Cumberland County; Webelos leader of Pack 47, Searbrook; Assistant Scout Master of Troop 47 and was fortunate to attend the National Scout Jamboree in 1980 at Camp AP Hill, Virginia as a staff member. he earned his Wood Badge and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.

He was attained the rank of sergeant for the former Bridgeton Special Police for several years. He became a certified NRA Police Firearms Instructor for Upper Deerfield, Fairton, Lawrence Twp. and the Bridgeton Special Police.

In 1978 he began his long career in Masonry. He was a Past Master of Brearley Lodge #2, Bridgeton; Past district Deputy Grand Master of 22nd Masonic District of New Jersey; Past Paton of Cumberland Chapter #145 Order of the Eastern Star, Bridgeton; a 33rd degree Mason, Valley of the Northern jurisdiction; Past Sovereign Prince of Excelsior Consistory, Collingswood, New Jersey; Past Toparch of the Sciots, Harold Elliot Pyramid #1, New Jersey; Past Grand Tall Cedar of Bridgeton #7 Forest; Member of the Penns Grove Clown Unit, TCL #23 and Past President of the Cumberland Shrine Club.

After moving to California, he enjoyed traveling with Darlene, especially their two trips back to New Jersey to see their friends, also their trips to the Lawrence Welk Resort and Alaska. He became a great fan of NASCAR and especially enjoyed the races in Fontana, he also became a fan of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He still remained a faithful fan of the Philadelphia Flyers and Eagles.

He will be sadly missed by those who knew him as he had a great love for life and people. He was a stranger to no one; a friend forever and always had a smile to share with you.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Judy Turnberg of the Episcopal Theological School in Claremont at 7:00pm, November 18, 2010. Masonic Services will be performed by Upland/Mt. Baldy Lodge #419 F&AM. Internment will take place at a later date at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. Written condolences may be sent to Darlene Boston at 681 N. Eighth Ave., Upland, CA 91786. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your own favorite charity.