Philip K. “Phil” Boyle passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022 at Montifiore Hospital in The Bronx.
Phil was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 25, 1925, to Michael Boyle of Malinmore, Donegal and Mary (née McKeaney) of Tempo, Fermanagh.
He lived his life to the fullest as a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Phil was an engaging storyteller, had a fantastic sense of humor and was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet.
Phil was predeceased by his brother James Boyle, his beloved daughter Mary Boyle and his first cousin and best friend Margaret “Greta” McKeaney.
He had been married to the love of his life Catherine (née Baldwin) “Kitty” Boyle of Kinsale, Cork for over 70 years. You never saw one without the other.
Phil was father to Timothy & Joanne Boyle of Louisville, KY, Brendan & Claudia Boyle of Bronxville, NY, Cathy Boyle of Tuckahoe, NY and Philip “Phil” Junior & Deb Boyle of Avon, CT. He also leaves his niece and nephew, Annemarie Quinn and Stephen Quinn as part of his “care team”.
Phil was the proud and beloved grandfather to Michael, Thomas, Dennis, Kerry, Jaqueline, Timothy, Bridgette, Conor and Sean. He loved to entertain his grandchildren with silly stories, brain teaser, riddles, and jokes.
He was also a loving great-grandfather to Emma, Aidan, Elizabeth, Jackson, Bradley, Georgina, Isla, Rory and Ronan. His large extended family includes many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Phil proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and in the Korean War. He was part of the naval forces to help evacuate the US Marines after the battle of Choisin Reservoir.
After his military service Phil worked for Royal Dutch Shell in their New York offices in Rockefeller Center for 38 years. One of his greatest joys was bringing his family to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree from his 4th Floor offices at “Rock Center”.
Phil was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was often invited to sing at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Gala. One of his favorite annual activities was to serve on the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade Line of March Formation Committee, which he did for over 60 years. A legacy was created by having his family participate with him on this Committee. He was most proud when his daughter, Mary, became the first female in the history of the Parade to join the Committee. He served as the liaison for Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY to the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade for several years.
Phil made many trips back to Ireland and educated his children and grandchildren on where their ancestors hailed from and ensured they were proud of their Irish Heritage.
He was a proud Brooklynite, having spent most of his early life in Bay Ridge. Phil could tell you anything about the people, places, and history of Brooklyn. Until the end, he was still “bitter” that the Dodgers had moved out of Brooklyn.
As a proud member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Phil would attend regular ceremonies to honor veterans at the Riverdale Kingsbridge Memorial Bell Tower.
Phil was a daily communicant and was strong in his Catholic Faith. He belonged to the Pro Patria Council of the Knights of Columbus and rose to the level of a 4th degree Knight. Phil was a constant supporter of Catholic Charities and various other Catholic and Non-Catholic charitable organizations.
Phil will be greatly missed by his loving family and his wife Kitty. In February, he and Kitty celebrated 70 years of matrimony.
A Wake will be held at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home located at 6110 Riverdale Ave., Bronx, NY Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 9, 2022. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at 9:45 a.m. on December 10, 2022 at St. Margaret of Cortona Church located at 6000 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Part of the Solution (POTS), located at 759 Webster Avenue Bronx, New York 10458; Telephone: 718-220-4892; Email: information@potsbronx.org; Website: https://potsbronx.org/english/