Stephen R. Boyd

1944 - 2024

Stephen R. Boyd

Stephen R. Boyd, 80, of Lehighton, passed away at home on Dec. 25, 2024, with his loving family at his side.

Stephen was the loving husband of Patricia "Patti Jo" (Smiley) Boyd. They celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on Aug. 22.

He was born in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 1944, son of the late Robert G. and Laura Jean (Stephenson) Boyd.

Stephen graduated from Berkshire School in New Jersey. He also graduated from the University of Alaska with a bachelor's degree in English.

He was a playwright of the play titled "The Key." The play was chosen and presented by the Civic Theatre in Allentown, Pa.

He had a patent on a channel rubber horseshoe.

Steve enjoyed playing and coaching sports, the outdoors, and horses, as well as riding motorcycles and vacationing in Myrtle Beach.

Stephen served our country with dedication and courage in the United States Army during the Vietnam war.

Stephen had worked as a warehouse manager for Automatic Switch Company in Florham Park, N.J., for many years until retiring in 2006.

He also worked as a senior buyer in switch purchasing, as well as a supervisor with the switch stockroom at Automatic Switch Company, a division of Emerson Electric.

After retiring, one of Steve's greatest passions was his volunteer work as a prison minister at the Carbon County Correctional Facility.

Stephen was a member of the Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Tamaqua, where he served the church by counting the offerings.

We have been blessed with the presence of Stephen in our lives.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Patti Jo (Smiley) Boyd of Lehighton; his children, Rebecca Howell and spouse David of Holly Hill, S.C., Kate Mickey of Hampton, Va., Luke Boyd and spouse Patty of Bethlehem; his stepson, Nick George of Clearwater, Fla.

He was the loving grandfather to Lucas, Mazzy, Katie, Riley, Rowan, Candace, Charlie, Mary, Matthew, Ashton, Josh and Jaclynn, and a great-grandfather to Roni and Samantha, who all lovingly called him Pop Pop.

He is also survived by a brother, Greg Boyd of Chesapeake, Va., and several nieces and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by a stepson, Chris George and a brother, Robert Boyd II.

Service: Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Gower Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 1426 Route 209, Gilbert, Pa., with the Rev. Kevin Roberts officiating.

Family and friends are welcome to offer condolences on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 from 9 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Stephen will be laid to rest at the Buena Vista Cemetery in Brodheadsville.

Gower Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 1426 Route 209, Gilbert, is entrusted with his arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.gowerfuneralhome.com.