Bruce R. Boren

Bruce Robert Boren, 74, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 6, 1951, in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, Bruce was the son of the late Robert B. and Marion P. (Smith) Boren.

A 1970 graduate of Martha's Vineyard High School, Bruce went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado. He later received his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.

Bruce dedicated the majority of his career to serving children and families as an occupational therapist with the Cape Cod Collaborative, and later with Martha's Vineyard Public Schools. He was deeply respected by colleagues and beloved by the students whose lives he touched. His gentle approach, patience, and skill left a lasting impact on all who worked with him.

Outside of his profession, Bruce lived a life rich with curiosity and adventure. He loved hiking, kayaking, sailing, woodworking, playing guitar, and tinkering with his motorcycle. He found great joy in nature, in music, and especially in the companionship of his dogs. Above all, Bruce cherished time spent with his family. He was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend-someone who enriched every life he entered and who never tired of sharing stories from the many places he lived and traveled.

Bruce is survived by his daughters, Makayla Boren of Sandwich, and Hailey (Boren) DeSousa and her husband, Evan DeSousa, of Fairhaven; and by his sister, Ann (Boren) Ross and her husband, Duncan Ross, of Oak Bluffs.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 2-5 p.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. In honor of Bruce's love for animals, donations in his memory may be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.