Born on August 9, 1917, Bejarano became a World War II Navy captain, and retired in the Naval Reserve. He married Valerie Garrett, of Schenectady, on one of his short stays home during the war, on January 1, 1944.
Bejarano became one of Hofstra University’s leading visionaries that brought the expansion and modernization of the university during the 1960s and 70s, according to his daughter-in-law Judith Bejarano. He retired from Hofstra as its Vice President for Development Bejarano was founder of the Fraternity Boys Club of Lynbrook, a local organization of children and parents that sponsored dozens of sports teams and recreational events during the 1960s, that kept many kids — of all races — busy and off the streets. It also helped them develop a positive self image.
“Grown men and women, to this day, stop by the Bejarano house in Lynbrook to tell them what a difference they and the Fraternity Boys Club made in their lives,” said Bejarano’s son, Carl.
Bejarano was also active in the local school district and served as President of the Malverne School’s Board of Education during the years the schools were integrated. “The Bejarano house was picketed and effigies were burned on the front lawn to protest of the integration of the schools,” said his daughter-in-law, Judy. “He was featured in Newsday at that time for straddling the divide between Lakeview and Malverne.”
Bejarano was one of the founders of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society and served as a fund-raising catalyst for the reconstruction and resurrection of the Fire Island Lighthouse that returned to service in 1986. ”The man had unbelievable energy and focus, and believed that nothing was more important than family and serving the community,” said Carl.
Luis and Valerie were featured in the Village Herald in 2004, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They remained very active in the social circles and organizations of Long Island, devoting much of their time making their community a desirable place to raise a family. “After all,” said Bejarano in the article, “what can possibly be more important than family?’
Bejarano is survived by his wife, Valerie, and six children: Valerie Hamilton, of Medina, OH, Luis E. Bejarano, Jr. of Woodbridge, VA, Joel Bejarano of Kent, WA, Carlos Bejarano of Freeport, NY, Andrea Bejarano of New York City, and Deena Scott of Huntington, NY. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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