Donald Joseph Boyle

Donald Joseph Boyle, 98, passed away on July 27, 2022. Don’s gregarious and generous personality brought joy to the lives of all who knew him. Born May 4, 1924 in Bronx, New York, Don was the youngest of five children.

He didn’t know it at the time, but his future wife, Betty Bagnuolo, lived just a couple blocks away from his childhood home. They eventually met at a church dance and were married in 1949. Their beautiful love story continued for 65 years until Betty’s passing in 2015. Prior to meeting Betty, Don’s college studies were paused for his enlistment in the Army Air Corps in WWII.

He proudly served until the war ended, retiring as a First Lieutenant. After his service, Don graduated from Iona College in 1949. He had a long and impressive sales management career at Economics Laboratory. His outgoing nature, positive attitude and love of people made him a “natural” in sales. Don stayed with EcoLab for 30 years, retiring at the age of 55. In addition to his dedicated work ethic, faith and family were central to Don’s life.

Over the span of 18 years, Don and Betty had ten children: Cari (Pace), Pat (Rice), Amy (Stark), Don Jr., John, Bill, Liz (Kahms), Kate (Weese), Steve, and Judy (Adams). With the addition of marriages and births, the family has grown exponentially; current count: 25 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren! His family was a source of great enjoyment and pride for him. Right up to his final days, he could often be heard exclaiming, “What a family!” and then quickly quipping, “Who started all this?”.

Over the years, Don was also a great support to his talented wife Betty in her artistic endeavors. He became her dedicated framer, making her work truly shine, and accompanied her to hundreds of art shows where he put his salesman talents to work. In fact, he was such a familiar presence that he was known locally as “Mr. Betty Boyle”. The Boyle family lived in Farmingdale, NY, Mt. Prospect, IL, Indianapolis, and Columbus, IN. Don and Betty loved to travel and visited many different places throughout the world, which Betty enjoyed painting. Wherever Don went, he was truly the life of the party, making every gathering brighter and more fun. He was often heard spontaneously bursting into song, either alone or harmonizing beautifully with Betty. Don was a voracious reader and an easy conversationalist, intentionally making everyone around him feel loved and included.

Most recently Don had been a resident at Westminster Village assisted living, where he was loved by fellow residents and staff alike. Long after he left a room, Don’s joyful presence echoed. Likewise, his legacy of love will linger with all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

At a later date Don will be interred at the Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Honor Flight www.honorflight.org.