Richard [Dick] Boehlert, 81, went home to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 05, 2008, after a long illness. He passed away at home with his loving wife and family by his side and under the care of Hospice. Dick was born in Utica on March 19, 1927 to the late Harold E. and Margaret McCarthy Boehlert. He received his education in Utica graduating in 1945 from St. Francis de Sales. During his high school years, he was in the Glee Club, and served in the New York State Guard, B Company, 6th Regiment from 1942-1945 and again after the service from 1946-1948. He also served as an air raid warden messenger prior to the service. Dick joined the United States Navy in January 1945 and served on Guam for nine months in the 38th NCB Specialists [Seabees] and was discharged in August 1946. Dick was married to Dolores E. Rose on November 18, 1950 in St. Francis de Sales Church, Utica, by the Rev. Gabriel Kohlbrenner. He was employed as an installer for Western Electric Co. retiring in 1983 after 37 years of service. He was a 61 year member of the American Legion, belonging to Adrean Post [Utica] as a member of their drum and bugle corps, Kelly Phillips Post [Oriskany Falls], serving as adjutant and Chaplain and assisted with the scout program. He then became a member of Whitestown American Legion Post #1113 where he served as trustee in 1970. Dick also was a member of Oneida County 40/8 Voiture 92 where he served as Chef de Gare 1977-1978 and also held other offices during his membership. After his retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard and workshop, and he became a ham radio operator [KB2FEH] and enjoyed talking with his friends on the Carrier Net. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and performed volunteer work at Mid-York Library helping to repair the equipment used for the talking books program. Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores,Utica; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Rick, Utica, and children Trevor and Megan; Douglas and Cindy, Deerfield, and children Christy, Dougie and Claudia; Tim and Karen, Liverpool, and children Lisa and Adam, and Jeff and Rhonda, Raleigh, NC, and children Christopher and twin daughters Erin and Margaret. Dick is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Cameron and Cohen Boehlert, and leaves three sisters, Helen and Charles Ferro, Margaret Messina and Barbara Young all of Utica. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law Shirley Miller, Forest Hill, MD, Beverly and Robert Charboneau, Oriskany Falls and a brother-in-law Roger Rose and fiancée Mary Donnelly of New Hartford. He also is survived by his aunt Florence Hagan who was very special to him and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick was predeceased by his parents Harold and Margaret Boehlert [Utica], daughter-in-law, Valarie Nadeau Boehlert [Whitesboro], his in-laws, Charles and Eileen Rose [Oriskany Falls], his brother-in-law, Richard Rose [Syracuse], and last, but not least, he is survived by his pet cockatiel, Dickiebird, that he enjoyed during his last years. Mr. Boehlert's funeral services with military honors will be held Friday, October 10, 2008 at 11:30 am at St. Paul's Church, Whitesboro, where his Celebration of Life will take place. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4 - 8 pm, at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd, Utica. On Thursday, during visitation, ceremonies will be conducted at 7 pm and at 7:15 pm, by the Oneida County 40/8 Voiture 92, and by the Whitestown American Legion Post #1113, respectively, in Mr. Boehlert's honor. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Paul's Catholic Church, Whitesboro, NY, or Hospice and Palliative Care, Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford. NY. The family would like to thank Dr. Kachare and staff, the staff at Hospice Care, family, friends, neighbors, Fr. Abe Esper and Deacon Tony Paparella for all their care and support during his long illness. "I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last You must not grieve so sorely For I love you dearly still."