Biden recalls Boardman's Amtrak leadership; funeral services announced

Former Vice President Joe Biden, a longtime rider and fan of Amtrak, offered his thoughts this week on former Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman, who died in Florida last week at the age of 70.

Posting on Twitter, Biden noted Boardman's Amtrak leadership during tough times.

"Joe Boardman led Amtrak through difficult times, taking over during the worst economic crisis since the Depression, and starting a modernization that will help deliver the 21st century rail system America deserves," Biden tweeted. "My thoughts are with his wife Joanne and their family."

Boardman died March 7 in Pasco County, Florida, where his family had a vacation home, according to his obituary in The New York Times. The cause of death was a stroke.

Boardman was the second-longest-serving president of Amtrak, which he led from 2008 until his retirement in 2016. He also served as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration from 2005 to 2008 during President George W. Bush's administration.

Boardman is survived by his wife, Joanne; two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren and other relatives, according to an obituary in the Rome Sentinel.

Funeral services will be held in Boardman's hometown of Rome, New York, at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's Church. Visitation will be held Thursday at Barry Funeral Home in Rome.

Contributions in Boardman's memory may be made to one of his favorite charities: Unity Acres (2290 County Route 2, Orwell, NY 13426); Health Friends (1119 Elm St, Utica, NY 13501); or the Epilepsy Foundation.