Obituaries

Robert Boyer: Longtime Mamaroneck Music Teacher

Robert Ellis Boyer, 89, passed away on February 14, 2014.

Robert was born in York, on February 3, 1925, son of the late Ellis C. and Cornelia K. (Spangler) Boyer.

A 1943 graduate of William Penn Senior High School, Robert was a Staff Sergeant with the Fifth Army Headquarters during WWII in North Africa and Italy, serving as a Chaplain's Assistant. A special memory of that time was having played the organ for the 1944 Christmas Eve service at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (II Duomo) in Florence, Italy.

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Organ Performance and Music Theory from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a Master of Education from New York University, and pursued his sixth-year studies at Manhattanville College and Fairfield University.

He taught music theory and choral singing for 28 years at Mamaroneck Junior High and Hommocks Middle School.

He served as a judge in many music competitions and parades throughout New York and Connecticut.

An accomplished church musician, Robert began his career as a church organist at the age of 17, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in York. He was Minister of Music at the Southport Congregational Church in Connecticut for over 30 years. Upon relocating to York, Robert served as a substitute organist at various local churches, including Bethlehem United Methodist (York) for 11 years.

He was a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross in Greenwich, Connecticut, and was an eight gallon blood donor.

He was the husband of Mary Ann (Shaw) Boyer for 66 years. 

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by a daughter, Pamela Myers and her husband, Kit of Glen Rock; two sons, R. Eric Boyer and fiancee, Renae Fowler of Mechanicsburg, and Philip J. Boyer and wife, Maryann of Stamford, Connecticut; four grandchildren, Laura and Emily Boyer and Joanna and Colin Myers; and a special friend, Brandon Fowler; and a sister, Joyce E. Eisenberger of York; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Fern A. Wrights of York.

Workinger Semmel Funeral Homes and Cremation, Inc., 849 East Market Street, York PA is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Longstown United Methodist Church, 2975 Carol Road, York, PA 17402 or to the National Parkinson's Foundation, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741. 


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