The family of Kevin Armstrong, the long-time school board member whose recent death deeply saddened the community, has established a scholarship fund in his memory.

Armstrong died Aug. 13 at the age of 57, after battling pneumonia, a complication of emphysema, since May. Well known for his commitment to the community, Armstrong served on the Farmingdale Board of Education for over 15 years, and held two terms as president (1988-1990).

He left behind his wife of 37 years, Evelyn, daughter and son-in-law Doreen and Harold Ward, son and daughter-in-law Gerald and Regina, son and daughter-in-law Brian and JoEllen, and son Kenneth, as well as several extended family members. "Because of all the work my father did in the community, we felt that he would love to have a scholarship in his name," Kevin's son, Brian said last week on behalf of the family, explaining the establishment of the scholarship fund. Added Kevin's son Gerald, "Somebody receiving his scholarship would be honored to know the type of individual he was."

Armstrong began his service with the school board on July 1, 1980. After four terms, he took a hiatus in 1992, resuming service on July 1, 1994. He retired from the board in June of 1997. "His love for children was enormous, so he loved to be a part of anything to do with children," Brian said, explaining his father's commitment to the volunteer work. "He loved Farmingdale, and always thought that it was a great place to live, and a great place to raise children." Shortly after marrying, Kevin and Evelyn moved to Farmingdale in 1962, and stayed for more than three decades, raising their four children here.

Prior to his work with the school board, the insurance executive who commuted to Manhattan volunteered with Farmingdale baseball and scouting while his sons were young. He also served as a religious instructor at St. Kilian's Church, Farmingdale.

Being the son of such a devoted community member brought great pride to Brian, he said, noting that he and his brothers attended Farmingdale Public Schools for a portion of their father's service on the board. "I always felt honored that he was part of the community in that way," he said, adding, "He always would instill in us how important education was."

He noted that the long-time community servant aimed to preserve and improve Farmingdale Schools. "He saw how wonderful an education Farmingdale gave his children, and he just wanted to have a piece of that, to make sure that all children had that privilege," he said. "He would do anything for Farmingdale."

Brian said that his father believed in Farmingdale Schools. He, for his part, does too. "Farmingdale, to me, gets better every year. You have the same dedicated professionals who have been doing this for many years," he said. "I wouldn't trade for anything what Farmingdale has done for me, and to have my father a part of that was even nicer."

Mr. Armstrong was not only dedicated to Farmingdale Schools; he was a devoted husband and father, according to Brian. "He was a wonderful father. His main goal was his family," he said.

He also had a sense of fairness, Brian noted, that he applied not only to his dealings with his children, but also in the workplace, as well as in school board matters. "He told it like it was. He wouldn't hide anything. He gave the benefit of the doubt. He always was listening," he said.

Son Gerald noted that the family received numerous sympathy cards from members of school organizations. "What they had to say was that he always treated them fairly," he said.

In remarks given at the funeral, Farmingdale Schools Superintendent Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr. described the former school board member as someone who "believed in fairness for every child and advocated relentlessly for it." He noted that he "believed in supporting programs that made sense and that worked." He noted that he respected all employees of the district, and although a forceful advocate, worked to achieve consensus among opposing points of view. Armstrong's commitment to recognition for student success, Dempsey said, was illustrated by his dream to build the "Wall of Fame" at Farmingdale High School. The wall was erected within the past year, and highlights the accomplishments of alumni.

Carla Peipert, a former school board member who served alongside Armstrong for 12 years, lauded Armstrong as a fair-minded gentleman who always sought to give rather than take. "He always wanted what was best for the children, and what was best for the community," she said. "There were times when he was volatile, but deservedly so, and he always found the right road to take."

On more than one occasion, Peipert served with Armstrong during contract negotiations. "I think he was instrumental in settling a lot of them - drawing the unions and the board together - and the community," she said. She added, "He was a good listener. He was a fair person. He listened to both sides and then was able to find that middle road. And the way he spoke - people went with him." She paused and concluded her reflection on a person she said should be mourned by the entire community and remembered by generations to come. "Good man," she said.

Those seeking to donate to the scholarship fund may send their donation directly to the Armstrong family, or in care of Farmingdale Public Schools, Attention: Assistant Superintendent Barbara Horsley or Superintendent Gerard Dempsey, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735.