Francis J. O'Boyle

Francis J. O'Boyle, 88, of Clarks Summit, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 17. He leaves behind his wife, the former Lucille Kremidas. They shared a wonderful family and 46 years of happiness together.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph A. and Josephine Mahon O'Boyle, he was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Snows and St. Benedict parishes. He was a graduate and valedictorian of St. John the Evangelist High School. He was an enlisted Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 97th Infantry Division after completing training at the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University. He served in the European theater of operations and earned the Bronze Star for action in the Ruhr Pocket. The 97th crossed the Rhine at Bonn, eventually capturing Dusseldorf. The 97th finished the war in Czechoslovakia, protecting General Patton's left flank. The 97th Infantry was credited with firing the last shot in the European theater. In addition to the Bronze Star, he received the Asia Pacific Medal with two campaign stars, the American Defense Medal Combat Badge, the Philippine Liberation Medal and Army of Occupation Japan Good Conduct Medal. The 97th was sent to Japan for occupation duty.

After his discharge, he resumed his studies at the University of Scranton and graduated cum laude. He entered Columbia University, where he graduated with a Master's Degree in Transportation and Economics. He also held a First Lieutenant's Commission in the Army Active Reserve.

Following his graduation from Columbia University, he worked at Ansco in Binghamton before taking a position at Capitol Records as the National Traffic Manager for 15 years. In 1967, he and his partners began construction on the Key Market Distribution Center in Dunmore, of which he was managing partner. In 1974, he founded O'Boyle Real Estate and was a Real Estate broker until his retirement in May 2006.

Also surviving are his son, Christopher F. O'Boyle and wife, Maura Hoban O'Boyle, and children, Brianna, Christopher Jr. and Michael; and his daughter, Becky O'Boyle Bell and husband, Brian J. Bell Jr., and son Brian; as well as nieces and nephews. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Eileen Bour and Jeanne Wheeland.

The family would like to thank Jennifer Wahy and Lois Schumacher for their care and compassion over the past six years, as well as Northeast Pennsylvania Home Health and Hospice, Tim Rowland and the staff of Community Life Support System.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Snows, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by Monsignor James J. McGarry, pastor. Interment will be in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Those attending the funeral should go directly to the church.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.lawrenceey oungfuneralhome.com. Memorial Contributions can be made to Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Our of Lady of Peace School or Scranton Preparatory School.