Obituary of Michael James Boyle

Michael J. Boyle, a long-time resident of Bearsville, NY, entered into rest at his home in Jewett, NY on September 30th, 2023.  Mike was born in Mineola, NY in 1931, the son of Michael Boyle Sr. and Alice Merritt.  He joined the army after graduating high school and served three years, he was honorably discharged from the Army Security Agency as a Sargeant.  He was very proud and loved his military service.  He and his wife June enjoyed many army reunions.  Mike attended Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute in Farmingdale, NY where he met June.  He also attended SUNY New Paltz where he got his teaching and master’s degrees in education.  Initially, Mike worked at IBM and then became an elementary school teacher at Bennett Elementary in the Onteora Central School System for 36 years.  He taught fifth and sixth math and science and was the teacher that you didn’t want and then never forgot.  Mike was an avid baseball and softball player, even playing several times against Eddie Feigner’s King and his Court.  Mike was a very good pitcher himself who helped build a ballfield in Baumholder, Germany that remains today on base.  Germany is where Mike developed a love for Alpine Skiing.  Mike spent many years as a volunteer ski patroller at Windham Mountain, becoming a full-time patroller upon his retirement.  He treasured his days with the patrollers, their families, and the many ski friends that became their circle.  He served on the Woodstock rescue squad to become an EMT and is responsible for saving many lives in both endeavors. He received the Jaycees Award in 1969 for being an outstanding citizen of Woodstock.  Mike was an avid golfer, shareholder, and long-time member of the Woodstock Country Club and Windham Country Club.  He is survived by his wife June of over 68 years, his daughter Catherine (Katrina), and sons Michael and Adam.  Great grandchildren are Ryan McCloskey, Raige and her husband Ryan Kanuch, Alexander, Patrick, Jack, Michael, and Chelsie.  Great grandchildren include Juliette and Riley.  A celebration of his life will be held this February and donations can be made to your favorite charity.  Mike did not want a wake and got a lot of love in person the days prior to his passing. Funeral arrangements were made under the care of Decker Funeral Home.  There will be a celebration of his life at the Windham Masonic Temple on Feb 17th from 5-8 pm.