Richard Payne Boardman

WORCESTER - Richard P. Boardman, 83, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Worcester after a brief illness. He was born in Bristol, CT, the son of Frank G. and Nancy (Doane) Boardman. His beloved wife of 59 years, Judith "Jaye" (Brightman) Boardman, passed away in 2020.

Dick, as he was known to friends and family, is survived by daughters Stephanie P. Casale and her husband, Tom of Sandwich, NH, and Jennifer "Jessie" B. Glockner and her husband, Gary Gleason of Holden, MA and Richmond, VA; sister, Carolyn E. Boardman and her husband John D. Pinkham of Arlington, VT; grandchildren Alessandro P. Casale, Sofia C. Casale, and Liam M. Glockner; brother-in-law Peter E. Brightman and his wife Leslie Altman; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Peter K. Glockner of Holden, MA.

Dick grew up in Plainville, CT, and Woodstock, VT. During his youth, he spent time at his family's farm in Hartland, VT, working with his father and learning carpentry skills that he would use his whole life. He graduated from Vermont Academy in 1957, where, at 6' 8" tall, he proved to be an accomplished basketball player. He earned his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College, his master's degree from Chicago University, and his doctorate in education from Columbia University. While at Columbia, he worked with his mentor, Dr. Robert Dentler, the director of Columbia's Institute for Urban Studies, to co-author a report for the New York State Education Commission on Desegregating the New York City Public Schools (1964). Commonly known as the Allen Report, it was intended to provide the data and research to support the desegregation of the New York City public school system, then the nation's largest school district.

After finishing his doctorate, he taught at the college level for several years. In 1970, he and Jaye moved their family to Princeton, MA, where they had a small farm and practiced homesteading. Soon after that, he left teaching to start his own general contracting business, Boardman Builders. His lifelong passion for building and renovating homes spanned more than 50 years and resulted in custom built homes throughout Worcester County and many other towns where he lived throughout his life, including Orient, NY, Mystic, CT, Yarmouth Port, MA, and Nokomis, FL.

Dick loved animals and had a special affinity for Old English sheepdogs, which he and Jaye raised for many years. He also loved music. He played the double bass for a time and amassed an impressive record collection of every genre. He enjoyed watching sports, basketball in particular, and was a big fan of the Celtics and the UCONN women's team. After retiring, he and Jaye enjoyed traveling, relaxing at their Florida and Cape Cod homes, and spending time with family and friends. He was a wonderful father, dutiful son and brother, and a caring and devoted husband.

Funeral services are private and will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.