Town mourns the loss of Matthew Boyle

Matthew I. Boyle, beloved husband, devoted father, teacher, mentor, and friend rendered his final salute on Aug. 24 at the age of 78. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.

After graduating from Boston College in1953 he went on to serve his county during the Korean War as a Marine Drill Instructor at Paris Island in South Carolina. Upon completion of his tour of duty he was awarded an honorable discharge and he returned to Boston, Massachusetts and began his life long passion as an educator, administrator and coach in the town of Winthrop. For over forty years he touched the lives of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders. He could be seen cheering at football games and officiating at track meets and volunteering in the town of Winthrop long after he retired from their service.

Although, he worked in Winthrop he resided in Topsfield, MA where he raised his family of six children and was devoted to building a better community. He was a TAA softball coach and player for forty years. He was involved as a lector coordinator for St. Rose of Lima Church for the past 15 years. He was active in local politics and attended many selectmen’s meetings and was appointed as the Veterans Affairs Officer for the local chapter where he worked tirelessly to help many local veterans receive all the benefits that they were entitled to. He was also an active member of the Freedoms Foundation and took students to Valley Forge every year for the annual competition.

His hobby was people. He was always interested in helping people out and seeing people reach their potential. He always saw the best in everyone and believed that there wasn’t anything you couldn’t accomplish if you set your mind to it and he was there to lend a hand or a word of encouragement to motivate you to do your best. He gave his time, talent, and energy to so many people and he truly did make a difference.

He was a devoted father and grandfather. He was often seen at many sporting events lending support and advice to his children and grandchildren. He became well versed in the terminology of wrestling, field hockey, soccer, and most recently he immersed himself in judo jargon. He loved watching his children compete and was even more thrilled watching his grandchildren carrying on the torch. He was a consummate sports man and instilled that in all the athletes he coached and especially his children and grandchildren.

He was the eldest of four children and is preceded in death by his father Patrick Henry Boyle, his mother, Mary Katherine Ryan-Boyle, and his son David Boyle. He leaves behind his beloved wife of fifty years Audrey Boyle, his eldest son Matthew I. Boyle, Jr., and wife Sherill Steen of Cary, North Carolina; son Mark F. Boyle and wife Margaret Wilfong of Rowley, MA; daughter Mary T. Consoles and husband Louis Consoles of Millis, MA; daughter Margaret A. Sakowski and husband Mark Sakowski of Williamsburg, VA; daughter Michele Francis of New York, NY; and daughter Monica A. Pennell and husband Eric Pennell of Ashby, MA.

He leaves his brother Arthur Boyle and wife Dianne Boyle of Quincy, MA; sister Virginia Hoynes of Winetka, IL and sister Georgianne Ellis of Evanston, IL.

He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren. Matthew I. Boyle III., James M. Boyle, Lauren E. Boyle, Dominic D. Boyle, Kelsey M. Boyle, Mark Boyle, Luke Boyle, John Boyle, Julia Boyle, Andrea Boyle, Brian Consoles, Victoria Consoles, Kevin Consoles, Meghan Chatfield, Brandon Baker, Bryce Baker and Ryleigh Pennell.

Matthew I Boyle has been a blessing to all those he came in contact with. He had a lust for life, an abundant sense of humor and a tremendous laugh that was only out done by his beaming smile. The ripples that he set in motion with each small act of kindness will continue on into eternity. Semper Fi Marine…Semper Fi.