Charles "Eddie" Boyd

Charles Edward "Eddie" Boyd, beloved husband of Susie Boyd, died peacefully on January 16, 2025, at Southern New Hampshire Hospital. Eddie was born on May 12, 1947 in Glenn Cove, New York to Dr. James Leslie Boyd and Dorothy (Thomas) Boyd. He was raised on Long Island and attended Friend's Academy, a private preparatory school in Locust Valley. There he began kindergarten with his teddy bear, Brownie, firmly in hand graduating in 1965. The admirable qualities of trust, vulnerability, and sensitivity are the childhood qualities that stayed with him throughout his life.
After graduating from high school, Eddie enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam war. He proudly served on the USS America (CVA66) with honor and a deep love for his country. He enjoyed patriotic music and for a short time he sang with the Blue Jacket choir. As a veteran, one of his most moving moments was singing the National Anthem at the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall in Amherst the summer of 2018.
Ed went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Pratt Institute with a degree in Architecture. As a New Hampshire licensed architect, he worked for the architectural firms of Isaak & Isaak and Alan Yeaton in Manchester. In the summer of 1986, Eddie and Susie moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Eddie found his true calling. While volunteering in his wife's kindergarten classroom he discovered the pure joy of working with young children and became a long-term elementary substitute teacher. Although he no longer carried Brownie, his teddy bear, into a classroom he brought creativity, silliness, and acceptance to every child he worked with. With children he could truly be himself, the students wide eyes and cheerful giggles encouraged him to make learning fun and exciting.
Eddie fought a courageous 16-year battle against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In his last few years he also developed diabetes. He faced his illnesses head on with perseverance, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor. Even in the late stages of Alzheimer's, Ed was still his fundamental self with perfect manners, a quiet demeanor, and always a sincere compliment to others. He was never ashamed or hesitant to tell people that he had Alzheimer's, and he never lost the very essence of who he was. He was always polite, thoughtful of others, and kind. He once said, "darn" in a moment of frustration and apologized for swearing. Anger, arrogance, and dishonesty were never part of his character. He believed these negative qualities only made things worse. Eddie could best be described as a "perfect gentleman".
Eddie lived by the adage that "the best things in life were free". He never wanted or needed lavish dinners out, far-reaching vacations, or evenings 'out on the town'. He was happy reading a good book, bird watching, sewing, watching a Red Sox or Bruins game on t.v., sitting in a cold ice arena watching his grandnephews play hockey, or just sitting on the porch reminiscing with good friends.
Eddie was passionate when it came to music. His particular fondness for the organ is what drew him to The First Congregational Church in Nashua where he sang in the choir. With the help and encouragement of many choir members he continued singing even as his memory failed him.
Singing to the glory of God was a privilege for him even in his final years. Ed's family cannot thank Joseph Olefirowich and the compassionate choir members enough for giving Ed the opportunity to feel embraced and accepted. Music healed his soul and enhanced his faith.
Ed is survived by his wife, Suzanne Boyd, of Hudson, New Hampshire, his brother, James Boyd, of California, his sister, Marcia Starpoli, of New York. Unfortunately, his youngest sister, Barbara Boyd, passed away in 2013. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States. Eddie and Susie were blessed to have nephews, Jay Retkevicz and Chad Retkevicz nearby to check in on them and include them in their family life.
The compassionate loving care given to Eddie and Susie from the ICU nurses, Jamie, Jordan, Emma, and Shayla was greatly appreciated. Their vigil comforted each of them in Eddie's final journey.
Relatives and friends are invited to Eddie's visitation on Friday, January 31st, at the ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street from 4-6pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st, at 10 AM at The First Congregation Church, 1 Concord Street, Nashua, N.H. His spring burial will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hudson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The First Congregational Church, Nashua or the Alzheimer's Association.
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