SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Ellery “Doc” DeBoer, 77, a life long resident of the South New Berlin area and well known in Chenango County Fire Department circles, passed away Sat. evening, Feb. 23, 2013, in the Binghamton General Hospital.
Doc was born in the Town of Butternuts on Feb. 27, 1935 the son of Peter and Edith Olson DeBoer. He has lived his entire life in South New Berlin and was a graduate of the South New Berlin School. Doc had worked for over 20 years for Norwich Oil and it’s successor Mirabito Fuel Group from which he retired as a supervisor. He was currently employed as a security guard for Amphenol Corp. of Sidney.
Doc was well known in the Fire Department circles, not only in South New Berlin and Chenango County but throughout New York State. A familiar sight at any fire dept. function or community event, Doc could often be seen with his pipe and easy going stride. He was a current and active life member of the South New Berlin Fire Dept. where he had held many of the department’s offices and was the department’s current Fire Police Captain. He was also a member of the Board of Commissioners and a member of the Chenango County Fire Police Association. Doc was also a member of (FASNY) Fireman’s Association of the State of New York.
In his leisure time, Doc enjoyed auto racing, camping with his family on many of their vacations and was also involved with the South New Berlin Little League.
On Sept. 11, 1954 he married Helen Norwood, who survives. Besides his wife Helen of South New Berlin, Doc is survived by his children: Michael DeBoer and wife Cheryl of Liverpool, Rick DeBoer and wife Cathy of Clay, Kim DeBoer of South New Berlin; his grandchildren: Jennifer Ferris, Stephanie Eldred, Michelle O’Neill and husband Craig, Stacey, Kelly and Nathan Steward, Devon Moore and Hannah DeBoer. Also surviving are 12 great grandchildren; a step-sister Alice VanderBerg of California; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Doc was predeceased by his brothers Rudolph (Rudy) and Kenneth DeBoer.
PRIVATE funeral services for Doc will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday. The family will not be in attendance.
Please consider memorial contributions to the South New Berlin Fire Dept., South New Berlin, NY 13843.