ObituaryPeter Borst, 85, of Whitestone, NY died unexpectedly of heart failure on February 16, 2021, in the company of his wife. He was born and raised outside Philadelphia, PA. In his teens, he (saxophone) and his two brothers (drums and trumpet) performed together in jazz bands. Peter’s musical skill earned him a scholarship at the University of Miami to study music and play in their marching band. At the University of Miami, he met Katharine (Kay) Horton, who he married in December 1955. In the early 1960s, Peter served stateside directing US Army marching bands. Next, he began teaching junior high school music, moved to Levittown, NY, and learned to sail. In 1964 his daughter Lynne was born, and within a few years, the family moved to Flushing, NY. After Kay’s death in 1969, Peter raised Lynne on his own while completing a graduate degree in music education from the City University of NY at Queens College. Peter also taught private music lessons and occasionally performed in nightclubs with a jazz band. Because of his success with innovative teaching approaches, around 1980 Peter was invited to join a small team that developed a music curriculum for use across all of NYS.
In 1986 Peter married Elizabeth Singer who he knew through his teaching tenure at Hicksville Junior High School. His son Kurt was born in 1987, and shortly after that, they moved to Whitestone, NY. Peter fit right in with the musically and artistically inclined Singer family and instantly became a beloved member. He supported his wife as she developed her own successful teaching career as one of the premier art teachers in NYC. He also passed the music gene to his son, who went on to become a live performer like his father as well as a writer and producer in the music industry.
Peter’s love of music, and for teaching people about music continued through his whole life. In retirement, Peter became an adjunct professor at Long Island University Post Campus. In this capacity, he taught professional enrichment classes to music teachers, and he developed and presented music appreciation and history lectures for the adult continuing education program.
Peter’s leisure time was shared with his family visiting art museums and botanic gardens, attending the NY Philharmonic and NYC Ballet, and sailing. Peter became an avid sailor starting around 1960 with a used 16’ wooden sailboat. A 17’ fiberglass sailboat followed making life easier without caulking wooden planks! After more than a decade with day-sailing boats, he stepped up to a 24’ sailboat capable of sleeping four. Peter kept the 24’ boat for over 35 years until he was 80.
In New York State Peter leaves his wife of 35 years, Elizabeth Singer Borst; his daughter Lynne Borst Kolaya, her husband Scott, and their son Drew; his son Kurt William Borst and his fiancé Ashley Jana; niece Laurie Horton Foote, her husband, children and grandchildren; and his wife’s siblings and their families with whom he was very close (especially Rhiannon). In Georgia Peter leaves close family from his first marriage, sister-in-law Diantha Horton and her son David Horton. In Pennsylvania Peter leaves his brother William Borst and his extended family. In Missouri Peter leaves his sister-in-law, Bonnie Borst (widow to James Borst), daughters Jennifer and Stephanie, and their families. In California, Peter leaves nieces Wendy Borst Reade and Heidi Borst, both daughters of James Borst.
Peter will be remembered by family and friends as a good-natured man, who faced each day optimistically. He advocated for equality and treated everyone fairly. Whether as a friend, spouse, parent, or teacher, Peter encouraged many to achieve their potential in life. His positive attitude and sense of humor prevailed to the end of his life.
Peter did not want a traditional memorial service, so please use this Tributes section or Stories page to celebrate Peter’s life and send condolences.
Gifts in memory of Peter Borst can be sent to the American Cancer Society, the Wildlife Conservation Society (NYC Zoos and Aquarium), or a charity of your choice.
