John Douglas Boyce

John Douglas Boyce, 54, of Ellington, loving husband to Robin (Kubas) Boyce passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by his adoring family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born in Weirton, WV, on January 5, 1972, the son of Susan (Evans) Boyce and the late Finis Boyce. He spent his childhood riding bikes, skateboarding, and running free until dark in New Cumberland, West Virginia. He was a graduate of New Cumberland High School and went on to achieve a Master of Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art. John and his sister spent time in his mother's basement pottery studio. He helped her with art shows and sales, this was probably his first introduction to the arts which later shaped his passion for drawing. John was not a traditional learner; imagination was his gift and he used it to tell stories, draw space scenes of fighter jets and aliens and far out souped up cars. From a very early age John was fascinated by and adored comic books, he spent his life curating a spectacular collection.

John built an accomplished 30-year career as a prolific toy designer with Hasbro in Rhode Island. Talented and innovative, he helped create products enjoyed by families everywhere. Though his work brought joy to many, he remained humble and dedicated, never seeking recognition. He was passionate about the work he dreamed of doing as a little boy. John was a key designer supporting the very coolest product lines and bringing them to life. Early in his career he was part of the relaunch of the Star Wars toys which led to a demand for the brand and helped foster demand for new interest and movies. He was also the first designer to relaunch the GI Joe line 1996, which to this day continues to be a favorite among fans and collectors. John was one of the few people with the unique honor of having a GI Joe figure made in his name and likeness. Working on toys in support of the movies he adored with his 3 boys meant so much to him. He was immensely proud of his work on the recent Spiderman movies; he took great pride in the contribution of his original designs. Marvel, Star Wars and GI Joe were just a few of the lines he worked to bring to market. He had the honor and privilege of meeting and working with sports figures and entertainers to sculpt their likeness in figures, some of his favorites were Bobby Orr, Dale Earnhardt, Nicholas Cage and Mario Lemieux. He was a lover of toys for his entire life, it wasn't just what he did, this passion encapsulated who he was.

John met and married the love of his life, Robin Kubas Boyce in 2008. Together they made their dream home in Ellington where they raised a family. John was a devoted husband to Robin for over 18 years and a proud father to their three sons, Noah, Cameron, and Evan. Despite all of his career success, it was his family that was his biggest accomplishment and greatest joy. He worked tirelessly to provide them with security, happiness, and opportunity, filling their years together with travel, adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a dedicated and present father, never missing an opportunity to do whatever his boys wanted. He was the most supportive of all their interests and talents, a proud father guiding them through mistakes and ultimately succeeding is likely his biggest accomplishment. His boys felt his support and love every single moment of their life. As a family they loved to travel and have fun, short trips to Boston and NYC, weekends with Robin's family in Old Lyme, CT, or weeks on Martha's Vineyard with the friends spending hours swimming, building sandcastles, and laughing. John had a deep love of the beach and ocean, rooted in his childhood spent with time on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and his family was never happier than with their collective toes in the sand.

John had a calm steady presence and a quiet strength that drew people to him. Thoughtful and kind, he formed lasting friendships and treated everyone with warmth and respect. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a steady presence, and a gentle soul. John's legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and loved forever.

Along with his wife, Robin, his sons, Noah, Cameron, and Evan, and his mother, Susan, he is survived by his loving sister, Carey McGowan and her husband Jeff and nephew Sean of South Park, PA; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joyce and Ronald Kubas of Ellington; sisters-in-law Rachel Kubas and Audrey Kubas and brother-in-law and Brian and Audrey Kubas all of Ellington; nieces Lexi, Skylar and Peyton Kubas all of Ellington; special aunts, Jennifer Meeker of New Cumberland, WV, and Jean Reardon of Sharon, PA and several cousins, especially Joe Evans and his wife Melissa of Bethel Park, PA. He also leaves many other extended family members and dear friends.

Above all else, John will be remembered as a loving and devoted father and husband; a gentle giant whose greatest accomplishment was the family he adored. His legacy lives on in the love he poured into his children, the partnership he has with his wife and the countless lives he touched with his kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

His family will receive friends for calling hours on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 11 a.m., meeting directly at the Wapping Community Church, 1790 Ellington Rd., South Windsor.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in John's memory to Pawsafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org or Hancock County Animal Shelter WV www.hancockcountywv.org

For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com