Douglas Raymond Boehm “Thor”, age 65 of Rochester, New York, 9-20-49 to 3-27-15. Predeceased by his parents, Ruth Boehm Koch and Samuel “Whitey” Valenza and brother-in-law Fred Mancuso, and dear friends, Carl “Cheech” Burns and John “Chopper“ Matteson; ex-wife, Donna Boehm.
He is survived by his children, Stacy Boehm Akel, Michael (Amanda) Difiore, Jaime Rodrigues-Boehm, and Patti (Ryan) Rowe Smawley. Grandchildren, Felicia Ryan, Samantha Schleyer, Karli Akel, Brittni Difiore, Damon Difiore, Gabriel Difiore, Ragan Difiore, Matteson Difiore, Russell Difiore, Angel Rodrigues, Manuelito Rivera, Elijah Rivera, Natalie Smawley and Noah Smawley. Great Grandchildren, Angel Luis Ryan and Gionni Ryan. Siblings, Beverley (James) Boehm Dietrich, Terry (Gayle) Boehm, Patty Boehm Mancuso, Sandy (Bob) Boehm Platner, Jackie Boehm Brown, Rick Robinson, Laurie (Keith) Boehm Bream and Judy (Ron) Dubois. Many beloved nieces and nephews, dear friends and loved ones, especially, Connie Rodrigues, Donna Rowe Clohessey, Rene Rowe and Terry Carter.
Doug was a master carpenter and a lifetime member of Eckankar. He rode with many motorcycle clubs during his free bird days and everyday was a free bird day for Doug, aka Thor. He loved taking his children and grandchildren sledding at Highland Park, which was his favorite place in all the world along with Charlotte Beach and the Charlotte Pier. Motorcycles were his passion from a very early age and he loved his Harley Davidson best. His favorite song was Lynard Skynard’s “Free bird”.
At Doug’s request, a celebration of his life and picnic will be held On Saturday, 6-13-15 starting at 11:00 A.M. at the site of the old round house/Children’s Pavilion at Highland Park in Rochester, New York, when the flowers are blooming, the trees are green and the birds are singing. An Eckankar service to be held for Doug by Rita Chou-Stone at the park at 2:00 P.M.
Doug will be greatly missed but will live in our hearts forever. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Lipson Cancer Center and Hildebrandt Hospice staff for their extraordinary and loving care of Doug. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to either Hildebrandt Hospice or Eckankar Rochester.
Rochester Cremation, 4044 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623, 359-2300, RochesterCremation.com
Uncle Doug, I’m sorry I couldn’t come to say goodbye to you. I tried many times but I just couldn’t handle seeing you that way. I want to remember you the way you were: larger than life. I’m pretty sure all of us kid’s thought of you as the coolest Uncle ever. I’m so thankful you are not suffering any more.
TO THE COUSIN I NEVER MET BUT WISHED I HAD. I HEARD SO MANY VERY GOOD THINGS ABOUT HIM. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY; ESPECIALLY HIS LOVING SISTER, MY COUSIN JUDY VALENZA.
TONY MARLOW,
PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA
Ride free brother, get into the wind and don’t stop!!!!!
Uncle Doug, I will miss you so very much. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to say goodbye. Your the best. Proud to call you my uncle. Do so love you always and forever. May you rest in peace
Uncle Doug: Happy childhood memories of that free spirit. Only wish we could have taken a ride together. I must have some of my love of my knees in the breeze from you. Sorry I didn’t get to know you as an adult. Ride free and feel loved!!
The week before my brother passed on,my wife and I spent an evening with him.We talked and laughed and cried and laughed some more.We will always treasure that,because after that he went to hospice.Then our mother came and took him home,I lost my little brother,but that visit will always be with us.
I love you Dad so much !! Thank you for being you and teaching me so many things about life!! You are the best ever and i will never forget you!! Please watch over my children and know that we all miss you so much!! I am proud to be your daughter and i wish you were here with me now to tell me what i need to hear about life. I still hear your voice in my head and im so glad you took the time to explain so much to me. Never forget us and know that we will love you forever and ever!!! You are awesome and thank you for always helping me and being here for me!! I love you so much!!