Mr. Robert Boca ~ F-Faculty, 1980-1986
Arrived ~ 6/17/1947
Departed ~ 7/30/2026
Lovingly reported by, John Boerger, 1977-1985
It is with sadness that I inform you that former ISB high school English teacher Mr. Robert Boca passed away unexpectedly from a chronic condition. Bob was 79 years old and worked at International School Bangkok from 1980 until 1986. Bob dedicated his life to shaping young minds with endless patience, warmth, and a bright spirit that lit up the room. His love of literature was the essential gift he gave to his students. A wonderful speaker, he was chosen to deliver what was a memorable graduation speech for the commencement ceremony for ISB’s Class of 1984.
Upon returning to the States from Thailand, Bob and his wife Darunee lived in Florida. He taught English full time at a community college for nearly two decades. His keen interest in studying Buddhism brought him to attend multiple sessions of study and meditation at the Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies in Barre, MA.
Over the years since our tenure at ISB, I have received dozens of handwritten letters, original stories he wrote or stories or scriptures written by Buddhist scholars. This was Bob – he had no Internet, no computer, no email, no FB, no texts, no cell phone, smart or not – his written and spoken communications came simply and directly from the heart. He was a man of books, letters, contemplation and music.
Robert Boca is survived by his devoted wife, Darunee. He was cremated and Buddhist rites were given on August 23, 2026 at Wat Navaram in Sanford, Florida.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
John Boerger
ISB 1977 – 85
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