Joseph Francis Boyle peacefully passed on November 10, 2017 at the age of 97. He was the fourth child of Joseph and Mary (McLaughlin) Boyle. His beloved wife, Ruth and his siblings: Lillian, Ann, John, Peggy, Bill and Tom have all preceded him in death. His surviving children are Helene Beddingfield of Citrus Heights, CA; Kathleen White (Jim) of Dothan, AL; and Joseph Boyle, Jr. (Mary) of Wurtsboro, NY. He was the loving grandfather of 12: Melisa Molina, Dawn Tucker (Charles) Kelliann Keirns (David) Myranda Chen, David White (Kasey), Dan White (Sarah), Eric Finley (Angela), Joy Carpenter (Anthony), Steven Finley (Kelly), Michael White, Josh Boyle (Sarah), Sean Boyle and 18 great-grandchildren.
Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 9, 1920 and went to West Catholic High where he won a La Salle scholarship for short sprint racing. He spent his early years on the east coast except for his time in the Navy during WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific and was honored with a Bronze Star for bravery during a kamikaze attach. After the war, he met and married his much loved Ruthie. They raised their children in the same house and sent them to the same school—something they both never had when they were children during the depression. He worked 32 years at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as a sheet metal worker.
Those years were full of family get-togethers, celebrating every holiday, NJ “down the shore” vacations, camping, road trips, a home that was warm, even in the cold of winter, and special dinners—Joe was fantastic cook. Lots of good times and some hard times as well, but both Joe and Ruth always did the best they could and managed to give their three much more than either of them ever had when they were growing up.
At ages 78 and 80, Ruth and Joe sold their Woodlyn, PA home of 48 years and traveled by train to live in California. They lived in the Arcade Creek Manor retirement community where Joe was a volunteer at the monthly pancake breakfast up until age 93. They both enjoyed meeting new friends, being close to their west coast family and entertaining many visits from their east coast family and friends.
Joe remained ‘young’ and active, managing two walks a day, always had a book he was reading open and enthusiastically continued watching college football. Notre Dame was his team. He also kept up with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always savored time with the ones he loved and if there is one lasting memory among the many he left, it is his ability to show love, encouragement, patience and cook up many a TLC meal. He was always the one that could be counted on, whether it was something that needed to be done, a shoulder to cry on or sharing the laugher of a good memory.
He died of complications from a heart arrhythmia, but was alert up until the day he died. He would tell anyone who asked that it was his Catholic faith that kept him steadfast through many a difficulty. After his wife’s death, he let it be known that this was just ‘bonus’ time, but he made the most of every minute. He will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend an 11 AM Memorial Mass Tuesday, November, 28, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 7817 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights, CA 95610. A reception to celebrate Joe’s life will immediately follow the mass at the church reception hall. Private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Ave., Sacramento, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family School or Loaves and Fishes.
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