John R. Boehringer

John R. Boehringer, 82, Inventor, Biomedical Engineer John R. "Jack" Boehringer, 82, of Wynnewood, PA. died on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 from cancer. Jack was founder of Boehringer Laboratories, Inc., a biomedical engineering firm which designs and manufactures medical instruments in the surgical, anesthesia and respiratory fields. Jack was the holder of 45 patents. He also founded Boehringer Associates in 1967, a consulting firm specializing in cost-control management in manufacturing and hospital operations. Jack was born on June 5, 1930 in Delaware County. He grew up in Upper Darby and spent summers in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Jack loved to sail and at age 16 built his own boat which he raced with his brother Gill in Comet regattas throughout the region. He ultimately won the Comet Internationals in this beloved boat. After graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1948, Jack attended Cornell University as a Cornell National Scholar where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1952. He received a Masters in Engineering from Cornell the following year. While at Cornell, Jack was president of the Interfraternity Council and rowed crew for Cornell. He met his beloved wife, Carol (nee Ballagh) at Cornell. They were approaching 60 years of marriage at the time of his death. Jack remained active with Cornell and the College of Engineering after graduation. He served on the Cornell University Council and also served for two terms as president of the Cornell Engineering Alumni Association. He was a member of the Engineering College Advisory Council and an early supporter of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Jack is a veteran of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Captain. While stationed at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey, Jack not only worked on defense projects but also oversaw the design of the golf course on base which at the time had six of the most challenging holes in the State of New Jersey. After his service career, Jack was employed by Moore Products, General Motors, Arcos Welding and SPS Technologies before founding Boehringer Associates. With the increased travel required in his consulting business, Jack obtained his pilot's license so that he could get to small towns more efficiently. This began a life-long love of flying his beloved Piper Twin Comanche, Gemini. Jack enjoyed spending time on the Chesapeake and in Marco Island, Florida. He was known for his intellect, keen sense of humor and loyal friendship. In the last two years of his life, Jack survived open-heart surgery, bladder cancer and partial paralysis from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. During this adversity, Jack's strong faith, positive attitude and concern for others continued to flourish. In addition to his wife and brother, Jack is survived by his son, Robert D.; his daughter, Barbara McConnell; son-in-law, Lee; daughter-in-law, Deborah and grandchildren Brad, Reed and Gillian Boehringer, Christine and Mark McConnell. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1:30 PM at Narberth Presbyterian Church at 205 Grayling Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Narberth Presbyterian Church at the above address or the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, MD, 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, MD 21620. The family has been cared for by Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home of Ardmore www.chadwickmckinney.com