Jens Duborg

Jens Duborg , 88, died peacefully, in Bradenton, FL, on April 25, 2022.

Jens was born a twin on May 14, 1933, in Hamburg, Germany. Jens and his twin brother, Rolf, lost their father at the age of seven and were raised by their single working mother. Much of his early life was spent in and out of hospitals, having contracted polio, which resulted in a compromised leg. What others may have seen as a handicap didn’t hinder Jens and his adventurous soul. His entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at a young age and he started his first business in his early twenties by placing jukeboxes in local cafes and bars. He then pursued an apprenticeship in Hamburg as a mechanical engineer, like his father. The explorer in him, however, didn’t allow him to settle down into a nine-to-five job, but instead led him to purchase the Vagabond, a small sailboat with the goal of sailing the European coast with a friend.

With a two man-crew, some basic sailing knowledge and a desire to see the world, the two set off. Jens would recount decades later (with a smile on his face) the near-death experience of being thrown overboard in a storm. His quick thinking (or pure luck) of having grabbed the running rigging while being thrown into the water, allowed him to be pulled back on board. Sailing along the Mediterranean coast on the Vagabond brought a chance encounter which eventually led Jens to America. While docked in Villefranche, he met Eben and Shirley Whitcomb, a young American couple sailing the Maryleigh. Although Jens’s English was far from perfect he learned that Eben and Shirley had sailed from Northeast Harbor, Maine in the 37’ sailboat and were now looking for crew to help with the return voyage. The thought of sailing across the Atlantic was something that he couldn’t pass up. He joined the crew in Gibraltar and set sail for America in the spring of 1959. Jens first set foot on American soil in St. Augustine, FL. The Maryleigh reached its final destination, Northeast Harbor, ME in June of 1959. Northeast Harbor remained a special place for Jens and the Whitcombs remained his lifelong friends.

Work brought Jens to Boston, MA, where he began his career as a mechanical engineer and met his wife, Brigitte. Sailing became a hobby and his focus shifted to engineering where he also made his mark. While working for Biometrics he invented a medical apparatus. The invention was patented and is still cited today in newer technologies. His entrepreneurial drive remained strong and he opened his own mechanical engineering business, which he operated successfully for more than 30 years. His skills as a mechanical engineer were often sought, most notably he worked on the construction of the Hubble Telescope. He was very proud of his contribution. As a business owner, he served on a technical education council at the request of former Massachusetts Governor King and partnered with vocational high schools in Boston and surrounding areas as part of an apprenticeship program to help prepare students for vocations as machinists and mechanical engineers. He made his home north of Boston, most recently in Methuen.

In retirement, he ventured to Florida to get out of the cold New England winters. Bradenton became his winter relaxation place where he enjoyed time with his wife, children and grandchild.

He leaves behind many people who he inspired and helped. He lived a rich life, filled with good friends and a loving family. He will be dearly missed by many, but especially by his loving wife of 57 years, Brigitte; his daughters, Sabina and Jutta; his son-in-law, Liam and his adoring granddaughter, Keira.

Services will be private for the family. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.