07/13/2021
Brethren,
Many of you are aware that our Brother "Al" Boragine Jr. passed away last week. Bro "Al" was not only a fixture in the southeast corner of our Lodge with his late friend Bro Dave Roberts but in many organizations across the Cape Cod, and all came out to pay their respects and offer support to his family.
Yesterday the Brethren of Pilgrim Lodge, a large group of Cape Cod Masons, and Marines (both retired and active) from across the state came to give their final respects. Worshipful Master "Bob" Heppe (himself a retired Army Colonel) performed our Masonic Memorial Service flawlessly. Brother "Bud" Dey (an ordained Minister) added a sense of dignity to this ritual that this humble Mason has not seen in quite a while. The Rev. John E. Mueller gave a stirring eulogy, and we learned of a boy who became a man in a time of global turmoil. Bro Al married the love of his life Ruth and they spent many years together before her passing. Together they raised a wonderful family that is committed and inspired by each other. At age 95, Bro Al was still working hard for his community and learning new things, always searching for further light.
When you think back on Masonry on Cape Cod, you realize we have lost some giants in this fraternity: Bothers John, Bill, Hank, and Ben, to name just a few, Bro Al is with them now, and we are blessed to have known them. We do not weep because they and Bro Al are gone; we smile because we got the chance to know him, and our Fraternity is what brought you and Bro Al Boragine together. They don't make men like Corporal Boragine anymore. In the words of one young Mason, "Bor. Al Boragine was the ____ing man." Yes, my young Brother, he certainly was.
As Bro. Al would say, "Sempre Fi Mac."