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John Paul Borucke of Southampton died on January 6 at Southampton Hospital. He was 82.
A lifelong resident of Southampton, he graduated from Southampton High School in 1950. Shortly after graduation, Mr. Borucke enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After basic training and several months’ additional training, he shipped from Norfolk, Virginia, to the Mediterranean for maneuvers in preparation for combat in Korea, where he arrived eight months later. In Korea, he rose to the rank of sergeant, and was a section leader in charge of 16 men in the weapons company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. During his 18 months in Korea, he saw combat in the battles of Pork Chop Hill and Toko-Ri, where he realized that democracy is often preserved only by those who are willing to pay the ultimate price, survivors said.
Mr. Borucke returned to Southampton and resumed civilian life. He attended the University of Miami, followed by a 30-year career with the New York Telephone Company and AT&T.
He married Joyce Goedecke, his wife of 58 years, and raised a family of four sons and one daughter, John Jr., Mark and Elizabeth, who survive, and William and Douglas, who predeceased him. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Skylar, Kali and Shannon.
He was devoted to public service, having served 35 years in the Southampton Fire Department. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Korean War Veterans Association, and the Marine Corps Association. His love of golf was pursued regularly at the Southampton Golf Club.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Fire Department, P.O. Box 499, Southampton, NY 11969; Southampton Hospital, www.southamptonhospital.org; or the local Korean War Veterans organization.
on Jan 12, 2015