Beloved TPC member John Boyle entered the Church Triumphant on April 9, 2022.

John Joseph Boyle • Aug. 19, 1938 – April 9, 2022

A man with a true servant’s heart, John Boyle loved God, his family, and his country. He was a quiet introvert who never sought the spotlight but still left an indelible mark on this world.

Born in Syracuse, NY, John was the youngest child of Clifton and Edna Boyle. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Carlton, and sister, Shirley.

John is survived by his wife, Marsha; daughter, Cynthia; son, Eric and his fiancé Neva; grandchildren Maddie, Emma, and Patrick; and many nieces and nephews.

John and Marsha met as teenagers in their church youth group. Though Marsha thought he was “really cool” from the start, it took him three years to notice her and begin the romance that lasted for more than 60 years.

John’s military career began when he was selected for the Air Force’s aviation cadet training program. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and began flying as a navigator. After more than a decade as a B52 navigator, he became an intelligence officer.

The Boyles lived in Maine (where Cindy was born), California (where Eric was born), Nebraska, Indiana, and Texas, and John spent time in Thailand during the Vietnam conflict. They moved to Orlando when John retired from the Air Force after 22 years. His second career was with Sears, first in personnel and then as the manager of a store in Taft.

John and Marsha joined Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church in 1983 and immediately became active members. In addition to singing in the choir and the Joyful Sound, John served as an elder, a deacon, on numerous committees, delivering Meals on Wheels, and as the choir librarian. John loved music and was a singer all his life, performing in church and community choirs wherever he lived. In Central Florida, he sang with the Bach Choir, with the Seminole State College Community Choir, in Disney’s Candlelight Processional, and in numerous smaller groups and ensembles.

John loved spending time with his family, helping people, and reading. He didn’t say much, but when he spoke, he had something meaningful to say. When he made a commitment, he honored it. He believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well.

On learning of John’s death, a longtime friend told Marsha, “He was a fine man, and he left the world a better place.”

Before he became ill, John and Marsha were preparing for an SSCCC concert that included a musical version of the bereavement poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”. Though John missed that performance, his voice is ringing out in heaven.

Do not stand by my grave and cry—
I am not there, I did not die.

Details for a celebration of John Boyle’s life are pending. He will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in a private service. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the TPC Music Ministry.