John V. Boreiko

1921 - 2016

John Vincent Boreiko, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, 2015 after a brief illness at the age of 93. John was born on July 20, 1921 in Milford, CT to Bronislaw and Anna Boreiko, both recent immigrants from Lithuania. Anna and Bronislaw had 7 children: John, Benjamin, Anna, Helen, Frank, Jeanie and Stanley. John was the loving father of Craig Boreiko of Chapel Hill, NC, spouse Karla Dunn Boreiko, Janice Boreiko of Maynard, MA and Thomas Boreiko of Lexington, MA, spouse Alison Coolidge. John was also the beloved grandfather of 4 grandchildren, Nathan Boreiko (North Carolina), Alyssa Boreiko (North Carolina), John Boreiko (England) and Alison Boreiko (Massachusetts). John grew up during the great depression and balanced his education with his need to financially support his family. After graduating from Milford High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he trained as a flight navigator. As a member of the 384th Bomb Squadron, he flew 32 combat missions in a B-17 Flying Fortress over Germany, Poland, France and Belgium out of the Grafton Underwood Airbase in England. He flew missions between April 25, 1944 and July 8, 1944, including multiple missions in direct support of allied troops during the invasion of Normandy, France in June of 1944. John rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was awarded both the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his combat service John worked as a navigational instructor. Upon his return to the United States, Johns sister Helen, introduced him to her close friend, Dorothy Louise Bray. John and Dorothy were married in a simple ceremony in 1948. They remained sweethearts for the next 67 years until Johns passing in 2015. In 1946, John became a member of the very first class of the Culinary Institute of America (then known as New Haven Restaurant Institute). After a short stint working as a cook, John decided to enroll in the University of Connecticut where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry in 1951. Although Johns career as a professional chef was short lived, he maintained a love for cooking all his life. Johns first job out of college was working for U.S. Rubber in CT as a polymer chemist. Shortly thereafter, John took a job working for B.F. Goodrich and he moved to Sudbury, MA where he and Dot raised their three children. John remained in the footwear industry for his entire career, quickly rising to senior management, where he oversaw both manufacturing and R&D at major footwear manufacturing plants. Positions held include those with Randy Manufacturing (MA), Gerbo Footwear Company (PA), Tingley Rubber Corporation (NJ) and Pickens Footwear (GA). Outside of work, John was a ingenious handy man who delighted in a good fix-it challenge he could fix almost any mechanical item. He was a talented amateur electrician and plumber who was always willing to lend his handyman services to friends, neighbors and especially his children. John and Dot returned to Massachusetts for their senior years. John would best be described as a gentle, kind and thoughtful man whose life centered on his family. He was a very loving husband and father who was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. He delighted in the accomplishments of his family and was quick to offer an encouraging word or lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed.