Bernard F. “Bernie” Boyle passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 6th, 2023, at the age of 89. Bernie was the beloved husband of the late Joan M. (McFarlane) Boyle, and the loving father of John Boyle and his wife Kristine of Concord, Mary Bova and her husband Anthony of Rockport, Kathleen Caron and her husband Thomas of Winchester, and Patricia Maher and her husband Christopher of Natick. He was the devoted grandfather of Lindsey, Alyssa, and Kara Boyle, William and Joan Caron, and Samuel and Charles Maher, and the dear brother of the late David Boyle. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bernie was born and raised in Winchester. His father, John, was a Winchester police officer, and his mother, Claire, worked at Winchester High School and later at Winchester Hospital. Bernie attended St. Mary’s School and then Winchester High School, during which time he worked for carpenters, cabinetmakers, and even boat builders. Bernie had a knack for building things and became a carpenter himself, eventually leading to a career as an Estimator in the Architectural Woodworking business.
Bernie also had a love of music from an early age, and was introduced to the drum and bugle corps through the Immaculate Conception “Queensmen.” Bernie played the snare drum with the corps until he “aged out” at 21, winning many competitions and awards as a drummer and later as the corps manager and teacher of drumming. Bernie always enjoyed attending drum and bugle competitions, whether as a musician, manager, or fan. In 2012, due to his many years of service, Bernie was inducted into the Massachusetts Drum Corps and Music Educators Hall of Fame.
In 1958 Bernie married the love of his life, Joan McFarlane, and together they built a home in Winchester where they raised their four children: John, Mary, Kathy, and Patti. Bernie always took a keen interest in all his children’s activities, whether hockey, ballet, cheerleading, or speedskating, and could often be found cheering from the stands or clapping enthusiastically as an audience member. He also stepped up as a coach and volunteer, most notably at Winchester High School where he assisted the marching band for 18 years as a volunteer advisor. In this capacity he attended countless practices, football games, parades, Bowl games, and even trips to Disney World for the band’s performances.
Bernie was also very involved in his parish at St. Mary’s Church. Joan and Bernie joined the Pre-Cana team at St. Mary’s, where they served for many years as table leaders. Their goal was to help young couples build successful and happy marriages like their own. Bernie and Joan’s faith was always so important to the both of them, and even after Joan sadly passed in 1999, Bernie continued volunteering at St. Mary’s. With Fr. Messina’s encouragement, he became a Eucharistic Minister. He served at many masses and hundreds of funerals, receiving the Cheverus Award from Cardinal O’Malley for his volunteerism and commitment in service to the Archdiocese of Boston.
Bernie’s whole life, in fact, was about service: service to his family, friends, church, and community. He will always be remembered for all that he built, including his own home, and for his humility, his unceasing work ethic, his sense of humor, and his generosity. Bernie will be missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Tuesday, October 10th from 4-8 pm, and again on Wed., October 11th at 9 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.
In recognition of Bernie and Joan’s lifelong love of music, the Joan and Bernie Boyle Music Scholarship Fund has been established with the goal of honoring a student at Winchester High School who has a sincere appreciation of music, a kind spirit, and a dedication to community service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the fund c/o Winchester Savings Bank, 661 Main St., Winchester MA 01890.