Nathaniel A. Boone

1927 - 2023

Nathaniel (Nate) A. Boone, 95, of Winhall, Vt., passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the Vermont Veterans Home, from Alzheimer's Disease, leaving behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Harriet Howell Boone.

He was born on September 29, 1927, in Englewood NJ, the son of the late Livingston Boone and Beatrice Scott Boone. After graduating from Dwight Morrow High School as an outstanding track star, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in order to avail himself of the G.I. Bill of Rights, which would pay for four years of college. He served at Montford Point (the segregated base for African Americans) at Camp Lejeune, NC. After his service, he graduated from Bates College, majoring in Government. Nate worked himself through Boston University Law School, earning his Doctorate of Law, and became a Counsellor of Law for the State of New Jersey.

During his years as a practicing attorney, he and his family lived in Closter, NJ, while vacationing in the place he and his wife spent their honeymoon, Manchester, VT. After years of vacationing in Manchester, Nate and Harriet bought a second home in Winhall, VT. Always wanting to give back to the community, he was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, a Cub Scout Pack leader, and ran a tennis clinic for underserved youth. On retirement, he and Harriet moved up to their Vermont home and went into full-time community service. Over a span of 25 years, Nate filled many roles at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, culminating as Chairman of the Board. He also filled many roles at the First Congregational Church of Manchester. He was a member of the Manchester Music Festival Board, Manchester Historical Society Board, Bates College Board of Trustees, volunteered for the Race for the Cure, did weekly food distribution for the Community Food Cupboard, and counseled prisoners at the Rutland, VT jail. In his spare time, he and Harriet joined Wednesday on Wheels, a biking group and also enjoyed playing tennis as much as possible.

On June 28, 2012, at a ceremony in Washington, DC, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for being a member of the segregated Montford Point Marines. On June 21, 2014, he was portrayed on the CBS Morning Show, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill of Rights. On February 17, 2017, in recognition of his service, the State of Vermont declared that day to be "Nathaniel Boone Day". He has received additional commendations from the towns of Englewood, NJ, Manchester and Winhall, VT.

Predeceased by his brother Livingston and his sisters, Jeanette and Sylvia, Nate is survived by his brother, David; his son, Dr. Peter Stuart Boone; daughter, Daryl Ann Boone; three grandsons, Brian Nathaniel Boone, Dr. Andrew Ross Boone, and Christopher Joseph Boone, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational Church, Manchester, VT on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Dellwood Cemetery, and reception at Hildene. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Community Food Cupboard, Manchester, VT, Neighbor to Neighbor, Manchester, VT or to a community service or faith organization of your choice through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.