Vocational Educator Succumbs Unexpectedly

Gerald S. Hugaboom, 59, well known vocational education leader, suffered an apparent heart attack in his car Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 1970, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Genesee Memorial Hospital at 2 p.m.

Mr. Hugaboom was director of vocational and technical education for both the Genesee-Wyoming Board of Co-operative Educatonal Services and teh City School District.

Mr. Hugaboom, who resided at 8 Lincoln Avenue, had attended the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club at the Moose Home and had returned to the BOCES Vocational School at the Industrial Center on Harvester Avenue.

He was found slumped over the wheel of his car in the BOCES parkng lot by John L. Saxton, administrative  assistant for the BOCES. Mr. Saxton summoned help from the building and Mr. Hugaboom was placed in a station wagon and driven to Genesee Memorial where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

In a statement today, Hugh W. Vanderhoof, chief executive officer of BOCES, cited Mr. Hugaboom's contribution to the program over the years. He said:

"The vocational education  program, which now offers instruction in 15 areas, has profited through the services of Gerald Hugaboom. Mr. Hugaboom has served as director of vocational education since the beginning of the Board of Co-operative Educational Services Vocational Program in 1964. His fine professional prreparation, successful experience, enthusiastic efforts and excessent judgment are reflected in the successful organization and operation of this program.

"As hehas said on a number of occasions, this program was his 'dream' and how happy he has been to see it come true.

"We shall greatly miss his continuation of guidance and leadership."

Born in Malone on December 31, 1910, Mr. Hugaboom was a son of the late Edwin and Mary O'Connell Hugaboom. He had resided in Batavia for 18 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Active in Rotary, he was a past secretary and director of the club and served as production manager for the annual Rotary Show for many years.

Mr. Hugaboom was a member of the Assn. of Vocational Education Administrators, the Professional Education Assn., the National Council of Local Administrators of Vocational Schools.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Schools to Mark Funeral Rites

Batavia High School and Junior High School will close at 1:15 Friday so that faculty members may attend the funeral of Gerald S. Hugaboom. Buses will be provided for students at that time.

The public elementary schools will conduct their regular schedule.