Robert O'Boyle

O'Boyle, Robert (Bob)
of Naples, Fla. and Evanston, IL, 94, died at Presbyterian Home in Evanston , June 28. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Bob graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1937. Later he took graduate courses in business management and banking at Harvard University and Northwestern University.A World War II Navy veteran from 1942-1946, Mr. O'Boyle rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander while serving in the South Pacific. He was employed his entire career by Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, from 1937 until 1974. He was a commercial loan officer, rising to senior vice president, Credit and Financial Services. In 1974 Mr. O'Boyle was elected president and treasurer of Continental Illinois Leasing & Financial, Ltd. of Toronto, Canada, a position he held until his retirement in 1976. Mr. O'Boyle was active in the Evanston United Fund, serving as general chairman in 1962. He also was director of the Chicago Crime Commission in 1972 and served on the Catholic Charities Board, the Chicago Council Navy League, and the Businessmen for Loyola University. In retirement he was a member of the Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples and became increasingly active in supporting Lawrence University, both in establishing the Robert and Jean O'Boyle Scholarship Fund and in helping Lawrence acquire, rebuild, and expand Bjorklunden, a 400-acre "northern campus" on Lake Michigan in Door County.Surviving are son John O'Boyle of Severna Park, MD, and New York City, who just won his first Tony Award for best musical revival; grandchildren Jennifer Dees of Charlottesville, VA., Robert Dees of Gurnee, IL., Michael O'Boyle, of Boston, Mass., and Kahly O'Boyle of Appleton, WI.; four great-grand children. His wife, Jean O'Boyle, died in 2001, and his daughter, Ann Dees, in 1980 .A memorial service was held in the Elliott Chapel at Presbyterian Home 3131 Simpson St., Evanston, Thursday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert and Jean O'Boyle Scholarship Fund at Lawrence University – Development Office, 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911.