John E. "Jack" Boyea

Mr. Boyea was born in Swanzey, NH, July 30, 1938, the son of Katherine (Holbrook) and Perley James Boyea, Sr. A lifelong resident of Keene, he was a 1956 graduate of Keene High School.

He was an Army veteran, serving from May, 1957 until April, 1959, in the 4th Armory Division, and was stationed in Ulm, Germany. Upon completion of active duty, he transferred to the Army Reserves.

Mr. Boyea worked for thirty-five years with the United States Army Corps of Engineers as project manager at the Otter Brook and Surry Mountain Dams in Keene, NH. In June of 2000, he was inducted into the New England District Distinguished Civilian Gallery.

Jack loved his life, his family and his friends. He brought great joy and laughter to those closest to him. He cherished and was deeply devoted to his wife Irene and they enjoyed many vacations together, especially relaxing at the Maine seacoast. He was incredibly proud of and close to his daughters and all of his grandchildren, who adored him and called him “Umpa.” He never missed any of their events or special occasions.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed all sports. Jack participated in the Greater Keene Area Men’s Softball League and Men’s Senior Softball League and bowled for many years at Yankee Lanes. He was a member of the Bretwood Golf Course and particularly enjoyed a round of golf with friends. Jack was generous, warm-hearted and kind with a gentle wit.

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Church in Keene.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Irene A. (Trombley) of Keene; three daughters, Denise M. Boyea of Exeter, NH, Darcy B. Morin of Merrimack, NH, Dawn E. Avery and her husband, Jim, of Concord, MA; five grandchildren, Ashley Rose and her husband, Jared, Amanda Geaudreau and her husband, Brian, John Dunkle, Jeff Dunkle, and James Avery; a brother, Perley J. Boyea, Jr. and his wife, Doreen, of Keene, a sister, Elizabeth Beliveau and her husband, Bruce, of Keene, a sister-in-law, Jean Grossi and her husband, John, of Keene; and nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM in St. Margaret Mary Church, 33 Arch Street, Keene. Burial in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Boyea’s memory to the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Ward Healthcare Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087.

The Foley Funeral Home of Keene, is assisting the family with the arrangements.