Douglas Richard Borenstein

HAMPTON - Douglas Richard Borenstein, 29, died unexpectedly, Saturday, July 5, 2003, at home. The world is a darker place because we lost a wonderful light in our lives. Being the first grandchild, Doug became the light in our family when he was born at Andrews AFB, MD. Living in Panama, Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado and finally residing in Virginia, Doug’s light and talents were shared with anyone whose life he touched. Once his smile was part of your life, it was yours forever. His quick smile and loving ways will be missed by all who loved him. Family and friends were the focus in whatever he did. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church where he was confirmed and was a very active member of the Youth Group. He served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Whenever he was needed, he was there, anxious to help and share his love and talent. Throughout his education, he always achieved his goals in spite of moving and battling juvenile diabetes. He shared his love of life and his friends through participation in Natural Helpers, the Drama Society, and at graduation from Hampton High School he was Valedictorian for the Class of 1991. He was a National Merit Scholar and recipient of numerous scholarships. Douglas earned a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester, NY, where he became a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Following graduation he applied his knowledge and love for children working at the Cumberland Children’s Hospital and later for the YMCA. He worked for the City of Newport News in the computer technical support division. He was passionate about his music and his cars, from his classic Olds Cutlass to his Honda S2000. These interests allowed him to build a wider circle of friends among fellow enthusiasts. Doug would not want to be the cause of such profound sadness. He would want us to love each other, share his joy and give him a smile as we head down the road, keeping his light in our hearts. As he said in his Valedictory address, “Don’t be saddened by farewells. They are inevitable. The goodbye is necessary before you can meet again, and meeting again, whether is mere seconds or after a lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.” Doug is survived by his parents, Richard and Gini Borenstein of Hampton; two brothers, Jeffrey Borenstein of Kingston, Jamaica, and Gregory Borenstein of Hampton; maternal grandparents, Marie and Elmer Hampton of Warminster, Pa., and paternal grandfather, Max Borenstein, of Levittown, Pa.; as well as an extended family and friends that span the country. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. tonight in R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. Douglas will be taken to Pennsylvania where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday in Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, in Warminster. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, Pa.