Hugh Don Boyle

Hugh Don "Donnie" Boyle April 12, 1934 – January 6, 2026
Hugh Don Boyle, affectionately known as Donnie, Danny, and Hughie, was born on April 12, 1934, in Kilnaleck, County Cavan, Ireland, to Bridget (née Daly) and Francis Boyle. He was the third of seven children, growing up alongside his siblings Nuala, Laura, Francis, Pádraic, Margaret, and Olive.
As a young man, Donnie was passionate about football, playing for the Cavan Juniors, before serving as a mechanic in the Irish Air Corps. In 1959, seeking better opportunities, he emigrated to New York with $17 and a suitcase full of Irish sausage. It was there, in 1961, that he met and married Bridget "Bridie" Lyons at Christ the King's Church in the Bronx, beginning a marriage that spanned 63 years. Together, they raised five children: Donald, Michael, Mary, Hugh, and Ann Marie.
The family briefly lived in Rockaway, Queens, before moving to Rockville Centre in 1972, where they became active members of St. Agnes Parish. Through the years, Donnie and Bridie not only celebrated their family milestones at the church but also opened their hearts and home to four foster children: Huong, Hao, Minh, and Chrystal.
Donnie is predeceased by his beloved wife, Bridie, as well as his siblings Nuala, Laura, and Francis. He is survived by his children: Donald (Cynthia), grandchildren Evan, Corinne, and Elyse; Michael (Leslie), grandchildren Connor, Michael, and Katie; Mary (David), grandchildren David (Savannah), Deirdre and great-grandchildren Mac and Judah; Hugh (Vicki), grandchildren Everett and Finn; and Ann Marie (Richard), grandchildren Matthew, Jules, and Ryan. He is also survived by his chosen children: Huong (Loc), grandchildren Selena and Jessica, Hao (Matthew), Minh (Anna), grandchildren Marvin and Tiffany, and Chrystal (Thi), grandchildren Christine and Tiffany.
A proud member of Carpenters' Union Local 608 in New York City, Donnie retired in 1995 from the New York City Sanitation Department after a long and fulfilling career. In his retirement, he continued to serve others by volunteering at the Mercy Hospital Hospice Care Unit. He also enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with Bridie, the love of his life. Together, they traveled to places like Rome, Jerusalem, Lourdes, and Medjugorje, where their faith remained the foundation of their lives. Donnie was deeply devoted to his faith, often hosting prayer meetings in his home and visiting the sick and elderly to offer comfort and prayers.
Donnie's love for life was evident in his joy for singing, dancing, storytelling, and laughter. He was always available to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in need. His generosity and warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Donnie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.