James Boyle Sr.

Jim Boyle, Sr., age 78 of Sarver, PA, died January 8 at Shadyside Hospital of Covid-19 which he contracted while a resident at Concordia Skilled Nursing in Cabot, PA. Jim had suffered from dementia and Parkinsonism for the past 5 years.

Jim's pride and joy was Boyle, Inc., the Freeport, PA, tool and die company which he founded and ran for 31 years. Jim traveled the world visiting his customers and selling the services of his company. He made friends on most of the world's continents. He was especially thankful to be able to provide employment and opportunity to several dozen local families over the years. He was known for helping others grow their businesses by donating countless hours of mentoring and other forms of assistance.

For decades, Jim was a proud member of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) even serving as a board member and president of the local Pittsburgh chapter for many of those years. In particular he was passionate about training the next generation of tool makers and machinists.

Jim was an affable, helpful, father, grandfather and friend to many. For years, he was a daily fixture at breakfast at McDonald's enjoying the company of friends. He maintained many personal and loyal business relationships. During summer vacation Jim enjoyed spending time with his family on the shores of New Jersey and Lake Michigan. He loved playing with his family and was often the last one out of the waves, laughing with his grandsons.

Jim was born in the coal regions of Eastern PA, the son of Francis X. and Catherine F. Boyle. He grew up in Tamaqua, PA, a place which continued to be his foundation for the rest of his life and which he remembered long after all his other memories were gone. In 1966, Jim moved his family to Western PA to work at Oberg Manufacturing, as it was then named. He and his family lived in Natrona Heights and most recently Sarver.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dianne, two sons Jim Jr. and daughter-in-law Lisa, Daniel and daughter-in-law Brooke, two grandsons, Alex and Jack, whom he adored, a sister Mayme McGowan Spatz, 2 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and 22 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Anthony Boyle, and his sister Sarah Gallen.

Jim was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights, PA. Because of Covid-19, no service will be held until a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.