By GLORIA STRAVELLI
Correspondent
METUCHEN –William Edwin Boerth, former borough administrator, passed away July 7 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton.
Saul Colonial Home in Hamilton Square is in charge of funeral arrangements.
According to his obituary, Boerth was born Dec. 9, 1950, and was 70 years old at the time of his passing.
He served as Metuchen’s borough administrator for close to a quarter-century, retiring in 2014.
Mayor Jonathan Busch posted news of Boerth’s passing on his Facebook page.
“We are saddened to learn of the death of former borough administrator Bill Boerth, who passed away today at the age of 70. Mr. Boerth served Metuchen for nearly 24 years in this role, from 1991 to 2014, and gave so much of himself to our community. The borough sends its deepest condolences to the Boerth family. Memorial bunting will be hung from Borough Hall in Mr. Boerth’s honor.”
A resident of Chesterfield, Boerth was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, and graduated from Fargo North High School in 1969, according to the obituary.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with the Class of 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering.
He served in the Army and following his military service, returned to Fargo to work in the family business, Boerth Frame & Mirror Co., Inc., with his father Walter, and brother Richard.
While living in Fargo, Boerth became interested in local government and was appointed to the City of Fargo Parking Authority and several municipal committees, according to the obituary.
He was president of the Island Park Neighborhood Association and a member of the Fargo Heritage Society.
This community involvement led him to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard, Kennedy School of Government, graduating in 1984.
Boerth subsequently served as the town administrator for the Town of Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
He was then appointed town administrator in Atlantic Highlands and completed his career serving as borough administrator for Metuchen, retiring in 2014.
According to the obituary, Boerth was an active participant in Civil War reenactments and was a member of the 1st Maine Cavalry Unit and the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers.
Private cremation services are under the direction of Saul Colonial Home, Hamilton Square. A private memorial service and interment services will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers contributions, may be made in Boerth’s memory to The Collie Health Foundation, American Battlefield Trust, the C.H.O.P. Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.
