Richard E. “Dick” Boyle
July 15, 1943 - February 11, 2023
Richard E. “Dick” Boyle, age 79, died on Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Middletown, DE.
Born in Washington, DC on July 15, 1943, he was a son of the late John J. and Lillian (Boland) Boyle. Dick was raised by his faithful and loving mother in what was to become a large family in Linwood, Pennsylvania.
Dick loved his family and sports (mostly, but not always, in that order). Talented in his youth, he gave up an opportunity to play football for the University of Southern California when he chose to marry and settle down in Delaware County, PA with his sweetheart, Kitty.
Dick was a hardworking man who enjoyed Kitty’s delicious home cooking and watching football. He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He always loved an underdog, perhaps because he knew what kind of heart it took to overcome the odds. He surprised many with gifts of beautiful stained glass window pieces he learned to make. But perhaps, not as surprising as the time he shot a “hole in one” on the 13th hole (184 yds) at Westwood Golf Course in NJ. Who said the number 13 was an unlucky number. While he loved to play golf and spent many hours on the green, he was challenged to break 100. Dick learned meat cutting when he and Kitty took on owning the local “mom and pop” grocery store in his childhood Linwood, PA neighborhood. That career eventually took him to become a meat room manager at Pathmark, working there for almost 30 years throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
He and Kitty generously gifted their children trips around the U.S. and instilled a love of travel in them. He will be remembered for his big heart and even bigger laugh.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, William Boyle, Frank Boyle, and John Boyle. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathryn (Bush) Boyle; children, Kellianna Maya of Colorado Springs, CO and Karen Lee (Matthew) of Sylva, NC; siblings, David Boyle of Indiana, Denis Boyle (Yelena) of Russia, Daniel Boyle (Thaisma) of California, Robert Boyle (Karen) of Havre de Grace, MD, and Allie Nardella (Jim) of California; sisters-in-law, Linda Boyle, Sharon Boyle, and Caroline Boyle; grandchildren, Justin D. Kovach, Kaleena Kovach, and Tula Maya Wickenkamp; great-grandson, Bodhi Sage Kovach; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
Heather Strickland
Lovingly remember that wonderful laugh and big heart. Our love to Kitty, Kelly, and Karen and the rest of the Boyles. I love you all
Sally Dunkelberger
I would like to express my condolences to Dick’s family.
I worked with Dick at Pathmark for many years. He was a great butcher and I remember him fondly.
Karen
My prayers to the family. I worked with Dick at Pathmark what a good man. Dick would make Irish potatoes on St. Patty’s day and if you were on his good list you got a bag. They were wonderful just like him.
Linda Crill Boyle
Dick was the first member of the Boyle family I met when Bill and I were engaged. He gave me such a heartfelt and warm hug and my thought was this family knows how to love.
When Bill 11 years later was struggling with terminal cancer, Dick and Kitty visited regularly and Dick took me aside saying if you ever need a break, call me and I’ll come immediately.
Dick was a true brother and we will all miss his huge laugh and warm heart.
So sorry I can’t be at this service to meet with family and to honor his life. But sending love and prayers.
Rose Maier
I am so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. He was such a nice guy and a good boss. I worked for him at the store for a while and he was fun and easy to work with. I was sad when he sold the store. Having been friends with his sister, I saw a lot of Dick when I was there. He had a great laugh and smile and I am sure he will be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. I will never forget what a great person he was.
Debbie Roberts
My deepest condolences to Miss Kitty and family. Dickie was a wonderful friend. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He will be deeply missed. Praying for peace and comfort for his family. With Love, Debbie