Obituary of John R. "Bobby" Boylan

John R. “Bobby” Boylan, 79, husband of Grace M. (Pasquale) Boylan of Peabody, died on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at the Kindred Hospital in Peabody with his family at his side. Mr. Boylan was born on July 19, 1928 in Peabody, son of the late Howard and Mary (Mannix) Boylan. He was raised in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School class of 1946 and was a lifelong resident of the city. In 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a DK3 during the Korean Conflict until receiving his honorable discharge on January 9, 1953. Mr. Boylan was employed for most of his life as a leather worker at Henry Leather Company until the company was destroyed by a fire. He was then employed in the same capacity at Barnett Leather Company in Peabody until his retirement in 1992. Bobby dedicated his entire life to his family and then to his grandchildren whom he cherished. He loved to walk with his wife and he was also an avid gardener. In addition to his wife with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, he is survived by his children, John R. Boylan Jr. of Peabody, Carol A. Boylan of Salem and Diane M. Bernard and her husband Richard of Gloucester; a sister, Eileen O’Leary and her husband Leo of Peabody; 2 grandsons, Christopher M. Boylan of Salem and Joseph A. Sassone of Gloucester and several nieces and nephews. His brother Leonard Boylan predeceased him. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., (downtown location) Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.