Patrick O'Boyle

Patrick J. O'Boyle VIRGINIA BEACH - Patrick J. "P.J." O'Boyle died peacefully April 20, 2011 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, where the care he received was superb. "P.J." was born in New York City Nov. 10, 1935 and was raised on the West Side of Manhattan. He was the first son of the late Patrick (also a first son) and "Katie" O'Boyle, who had immigrated from their beloved Ireland. He was also predeceased by infant twins, Mary and Patrick Jr.; his good friend and cousin, Thomas Farrell; and longterm friend, Joe Byrns, who P.J. cared for in the last months of his life. Patrick is survived by two sons, Christopher Grant of Florida and Brendan Patrick of Virginia Beach and their mother and Pat's loving friend, Mary Jane Rau, R.N. of Florida who cared for him in the final months. He is also survived by one brother, Francis "Frank" O'Boyle Sr. (Anne Marie) of Long Island, N.Y.; and two sisters, Sr. Mary Ellen O'Boyle SC, New York City and Sheila Walsh (Bill) of Rochester, N.Y., who contributed significant health information needed by the caregiver, Mary Jane. He leaves a beloved nephew and godson, Frankie Jr. whom he never forgot on holidays or birthdays and his son Frankie. Also surviving are nieces, Carrie and her children Katherine and Elizabeth; Amy and daughter Brooke; and a nephew, Brian Walsh. Surviving also are his brother-in-law, James "Jim" Simmons (Jane) of North Carolina; niece, Cindy Simmons and daughter Lily Jane of Georgia and nephew, Michael (Andrea) and daughter Noe of Nevada. P.J. had a varied and interesting life, starting with his graduation from Power Memorial, Manhattan College and then with his MBA from Bernard Baruch College of the City University of New York. Prior to his health career, he was an officer and pharmacist mate and sailed with the Merchant Marines on several large liners. He began his health career as the Wage and Salary analyst for the 1000 bed New York Hospital in Manhattan. Wanting a smaller community to raise his son, Christopher, he accepted the position of the first personnel director of the then fledging and growing Virginia Beach General Hospital. He was instrumental in making many positive changes in the growing hospital, including coordination of the first integrated hospital Christmas party. The "change bug" had bit him and he continued to go where his personnel talents were needed and asked for, including Mount Carmel Hospital, Ohio, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Florida and the Hotel Deau Hospital, El Paso, Texas. He finally retired, but continued in a less stressful environment as a civilian health care employee for the U.S. Navy at Dam Neck base in Virginia Beach. He remained active in the community as a member of the Oceana Civic League and as secretary of the Consumer's Funeral Alliance, (FCAT, Bob Clapp, president). P.J. was a very modest man, always giving credit to others and never seeking the "atta-boy" pat on the back. Patrick, May the road rise to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; and May God hold you in the palm of his hand until we all meet again. Love and "Slain go foill." A Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Star of the Sea Catholic Church on 15th Street, Virginia Beach. Scattering of his ashes will be at a later date at a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank or homeless shelter. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater assisted the family.