Condolences
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. John A. Boffa from my early career at Prudential, while working in the company's medical underwriting laboratory - namely Gib Laboratories. When Mr. Boffa became the new director of this laboratory in 1974, that's when I first met him. Under his professional leadership and guidance, he was able to upgrade the laboratory and expand its horizons. In looking back, I feel fortunate working with Mr. Boffa, and that our working relationship was a respectful one. In fact, I was proud to have him as a honored guest and many others at my wedding in 1975. That was 47 years ago and counting!
Time marches on. Now, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Boffa, as I just learned of his death. Besides being a fine and intelligent person, he was also a family man devoted to his many sons. Without a doubt, he had a long and rewarding life journey with many accomplishments to his credit. He is now gone, but his memory remains.
At this time, my belated but sincere condolences go out to Mr. Boffa's entire family – as well as to his lifelong partner Patricia Berry whom I know dearly from my working days, and also to his niece Anne Mancini whom I know fondly from my Hamilton school days in Elizabeth. God bless all.
I am grateful to have so many wonderful holiday memories with Uncle John. He was there for most milestones in my life and I know he will be greatly missed by everyone. He was very proud of his family and always loved talking about all of thier accomplishments, whether it was first steps, graduations or new jobs. I won't forget his warm and gentle smile that could calm the room. Sending my love to Pat, the boys and all the grands and great grands.
Love,
Leanne
Although I didn't get to spend much time with Uncle John, I know how much he was respected and loved. My father looked up to him and spoke so highly of him. He was grateful to John for being a role model and inspiring him to pursue a career in science. Sending my condolences to John's family and friends.
I and my son Chris haven’t known John as long as the rest in Johns’s huge family. I remember the fun Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas Eve Shrimp Risotto and spending Christmas Day with John, Chris, and my sister Patricia. He was a sweet, gentle person and we will miss him. Love ❤️ Jean & Chris
Time treated Snow Gramps well. He lived a long, healthy life, and aged well over all of those years. From my earliest years, I remember being welcomed by his calmness. It's remarkable now, reflecting on the madhouse of grandkids we were, making his mellow demeanor all the more notable. I picture his slight smile and warm eyes: fixing the kids a snack; warmly scanning family around the table at a dinner out; seated in a low, sun bleached canvas beach chair with a slightly rusted beach pin stabbed through the back. With time he became just Gramps and his words became more seldom, but with ever more of those warm eyes, happily observing his growing family--all with a bit of his influence and all happily in each others' company. Thank you Gramps, for the fond memories and for how you demonstrated family love. Thank you Pat, for joining Gramps, our family, and eventually seeing Gramps out with dignity.
All of our love,
Damian, Lesley, Emile
To my last grandparent, Snowgramps, what an incredible life and the image of health!
I love hearing the different stories from people as to why they call their grandparents different names other than grandma and grandpa. This stemmed from our unique name of Snowgramps (thanks to Mariah). Oddly enough, being much younger I ended up with my own interpretation of where that nickname came from. We grew up going to beach house in LBI every summer, at the time there were about 8 of us invading the home each year. It was always easiest to end up at this Chinese restaurant off the island to accommodate all of us and I always remembered Snowgramps going for plates of snow crab. I later found out the name was due to winter visits.
To Pat, your love and immense care for Gramps never went unnoticed and it really shined during my last visit. Not only Gramps, but our entire family is lucky to have you a part of it ❤️ Thank you.
In the words of Gramps and a final toast, “To the family!”
I love you,
Camille Boffa
Snow Gramps was a childhood name I gave him, because I was the grandchild who could talk first, and because he always came to VT in the winter to visit us and cross country ski. I knew he was a scientist, which interested me. I remember asking him what an itch was, and he gave me a very comprehensive response about nerves. We took trips to his summer house in Long Beach Island, and he showed us jellyfish and sand crabs. I remember his enthusiasm for Jersey tomatoes and corn, fresh fish from the pier, and once in the early nineties I'm guessing, a recipe for peaches, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. It was a novel idea at the time, and it was good! And I remember Pat, always Pat. Unwavering, loving, and kind. A natural extension of Gramp's calm demeanor and appreciation of life's pleasures.
I remember noticing over the years while walking on Loveladies beach or wherever, how similar the Boffa boys' legs look from behind. My brothers, my dad, my uncles and cousins - there's something about that walk that they got from him!
When we weren't so little anymore, us grandkids transitioned to calling him Gramps, which definitely felt strange for a while, and honestly still does a little :) So cheers to Snow Gramps, to a life well lived, and may that relaxed saunter continue to ripple through the generations...
We love you!
Mariah, Louisa (9) and Quinn (4)
Snow gramps! Gramps!
My quintessential image of Gramps is in a beach chair on Long Beach Island, entirely at ease. I'll always be able to hear him pronouncing my dad's name 'Pauwl', beginning long before I had any clue what a New Jersey Italian-American accent is.
Christmas visits to see us in Vermont, which led my sister Mariah to give him the 'Snow Gramps' name, were the other annual tradition. He would take us to Lums restaurant for breakfast and his standard prune juice order fascinated us as kids.
Moving across the country meant seeing much less of Gramps over the past decade, but on the occasions I did it was great to see him with a hint of that same beach chair ease and apparent satisfaction with his life and especially his family legacy -- "It's so nice to see everyone together!" Paired with Pat's unwavering love and support, he seemed content and not too bothered that his age had finally begun catching up to him. Pat, we're all so grateful for your presence in his life (and ours!).
We are sorry to miss the service but will be there in spirit, may Gramps rest in peace!
Love,
Wheeler, Aleks, Etta & Anya
John was a very dedicated family man. He enjoyed the company of his children, grand children and great grandchildren. He lived a long live and was very much loved by Pat who was at his side till the end.
I will not forget his birthday celebrations and how much he enjoyed those joyful moments with his family and loved ones.
May he Rest In Peace.
We all have to be thankful for his long and happy life.
Dad, Gramps and Snow Gramps as he was fondly referred to by his family of 4 sons, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, lived a very full life. A baby of the 20's, a child of the Depression, a young adult serving his country in World War II, raising a young family and beginning a very successful career thru the 1950's and 60's. Transitioning his career into the vanguard of biomedical testing, and a pioneer with others in his field in the 1970's and 1980's. Along with beginning his long, loving partnership with Pat and watching his family grow with his first grandchildren. Dad always enjoyed life along the way through his travel, beach time at the Long Beach Island house and visits to Vermont. He taught us how hard work and commitment, especially to family, brought success. The best way to celebrate was to gather over a family meal and toast "to the family" and "to Health!" Having lived this very full life, we are now left with an abundance of wonderful memories. Bye for now, Dad. We love you very much!
Uncle John was an exceptional person and will be sorely missed. You had an amazing life of major accomplishments – and that includes your amazing children and grandchildren. You will always stay alive and smiling in our memories and hearts!
Always and Forever,
Anne Mancini Tumminia
Fathers have a range of skills but some are set apart by special feats. We grew up with Dad as a working biochemist. While a lot of that was abstract I do recall suffering from an incessant cough at the age of 8 or 9 years old. Dad had the insight and skill to culture my spittle from a throat swab. He, in his understanding of scientific method, produced a custom vaccine specific to my ailment, injected the preparation into my body and within days my cough disappeared for good. In my 67 years I have encountered no such story from other peers growing up. Magic.
Uncle John was an exceptional person and will be sorely missed. You had an amazing life of major accomplishments – and that includes your amazing children and grandchildren. You will always stay alive and smiling in our memories and hearts!
Always and Forever,
Anne Mancini Tumminia