Herman Richard "Rich" Borer

Herman Richard “Rich” Borer passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Maplewood of Orange, in Orange, CT.  Rich was 94 years old. Born July 12, 1927 to Herman Joseph and Anne (Cunningham) Borer in New Rochelle, NY.  Rich attended Mount Saint Michael Academy High School in the Bronx.  Growing up in the Bronx, Rich enjoyed time with his four older sisters, playing baseball and spending evenings listening to the big bands of that era.  Rich a World War II veteran, served in the armed forces European Operations mostly in France.  Receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal.  

On May 26, 1951 Rich married the love of his life, Irene Kathryn Connolly whom he would refer to as “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen!”   Their 70-year marriage was blessed with eight children, twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. They lived in Levittown on Long Island; the Woodmont section of Milford, CT and West Haven, CT, as well as Wurtsboro, NY, prior to the recent move to Orange, CT.  Rich and Irene moved from Long Island to Milford in 1956.  Rich was the founder of Cameo Ice Cream Manufacturing Company located in Milford and West Haven.  The business operated for over 20 years and developed many faithful customers who became friends.  A dream fulfilled for Rich as it was run by the Borer Family, for the Borer Family and was foundational in supporting his children launching successful careers and lives. This was a great source of pride for Rich.  Family was everything to him.  

He spent the first 10 years of his retirement in Wurtsboro Village, New York.  Rich was very active in community service, elected as a Burgess and Warden in the Borough of Woodmont and 4th District Alderman in Milford, a proud member of the VFW and an active member of Saint Agnes Church serving on their building committee which built the current church on Merwin Avenue in Milford. He also served on the Democratic Town Committee’s in Milford and West Haven.  He enjoyed working on election days for the West Haven Registrar of Voters for many years.  Rich took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren by supporting them in their careers and endeavors.

Rich is survived by his wife Irene and their seven children, Steve Borer of Port Charlotte, Florida; Betty (Don) Kluk of North Branford; Irene Sauerbier of Milford; Richard Borer, Jr. (Amanda) of Milford; Joseph (Beata) Borer of Moscow, Russia and Milford; Tim Borer (Mary Ann) of Milford; and Julie (Roger) King of Milford. Twenty-three grandchildren, Stephanie (Lou) of Lilburn, Georgia; Stevie Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; Gregory (Kristen) of Wallingford; Brendan (Samantha) of North Branford; Caitlin (Nishanth) of Smyrna, Georgia: Dr. Michael (Teresa) Kluk of Manhattan, New York.  Brian (Deanna) of North Branford; Geoffrey (Danielle) of Stamford; Phillip (Jen) of North Branford; Lisa-Marie of Branford; Jennifer (John) of West Haven; John (Kelly) of Woodbridge; Katie (Chris) of West Haven; Drew of Milford; Christopher of West Haven; Charles of Shelton; Lilly and Luke of Moscow, Russia and Milford; Maggie (Nic) of Prospect; Tyler of Milford; RJ, Ryan and Jenna of Milford. Twenty-two great grandchildren; Natalia, Amarra, Airman Phillip III, Joey, Jonny, Gigi, Gustavo, Diego, Alexander, Bryson, Arlo, Luna, Brendan Jr., Michael, Rowan, Olive, Vinny, Sophia, Liliana, Charlee, Austyn and Hunter.  Along with many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his sister Betty and brother-in-law Ed Forte of Massapequa, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son John and sisters Kay Boyle, Pat Ferris and Geri Buck.

A special thank you goes out to his friends from Bay Shore in West Haven and Maplewood of Orange, who during his final years brought him so much joy.

Visitation will take place on Monday, from 4 – 7PM, at West Haven Funeral Home on the Green. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, July 27, at 11 o’clock in St. Agnes Church, Woodmont. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

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