Bruce Boyle

Bruce Boyle of West Chester, Pennsylvania, beloved husband of Carolyn Grande for 23 years, and devoted, proud father of Brendan (Nicole) passed away peacefully on October 7 after a brief illness.

Bruce was born on July 21, 1947 to Raymond and Mary Boyle in Philadelphia. He graduated from Frankford High School. Bruce served with distinction as a demolition expert for the army in Viet Nam and was awarded a Purple Heart for his valor.

Bruce attended Temple University on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a degree in journalism that launched an exceptional career with many notable successes, lasting friendships and oh so many fantastic stories.

He worked as a journalist for more than a decade in Atlantic City, Philadelphia and San Diego. He was given award-winning recognition for his work at Philadelphia’s famed evening Bulletin.

After retiring from the newspaper business, Bruce began a second career in crisis communication, public relations and investor relations. He worked as a crisis consultant to Fortune 100 companies, as well as a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations in finance, heavy industry, education and health care.

As a writer, trainer and strategist, Bruce produced everything from announcements of mergers and acquisitions to corporate annual reports. He did consulting work for Texaco, Dow Chemical, Exide Technologies, NutraSweet and Norfolk Southern and managed communications through the failure of one of the nation’s largest savings and loan companies. Other work highlights included managing communications for the bankruptcy of a sub-prime lender and campaigns for higher education, healthcare, chemical industry and insurance clients.

Bruce worked well into his 70s contributing thoughtful and always interesting writing pieces to clients and working on his novel, Twee. He served on boards of several non-profits. Bruce was a mentor to many other journalists, pr flacks and advertising executives alike.

Bruce respected and valued a sober life. For more than 30 years Bruce committed countless hours guiding, mentoring and supporting innumerable people with alcohol addiction. He would admit that sometimes he was a teacher and sometimes the student. He never took either role for granted. While he had a large presence his spirit was humble. Yet his capacity for humor, storytelling and wisdom could light up a room.

Bruce had a deep love of Ireland. He delighted in sharing the country with Carolyn and Brendan. For numerous years, Bruce visited annually with a group of dear friends.

If Bruce wasn’t writing, he was reading. He read just about everything – the Inquirer, NYT, WSJ, The Atlantic and the New Yorker to name just a few of the publications, novels old and new and Irish fiction, in particular. He also relished photography with predilection of seascapes, scenery and nature. His cooking creativity earned him the title of “Chef Boyle.” His classics were barbeque creations in the smoker and his never to be forgotten Potatoes Au Gratin.

Bruce had an exceptional vocabulary and could beat most at playing Scrabble. His well-rounded knowledge made him a wiz at playing Jeopardy. That said, while the bar was set high, Brendan certainly rose to the Jeopardy challenge.

Bruce cherished time with his son Brendan, daughter-in-law Nicole and brother-in-law Stephen. Sunday dinners were a staple with family prior to Brendan and Nicole moving to New Mexico in 2022. However, their visits East were always packed with activities, cooking and enjoying a variety of culinary delights. Bruce and Stephen carried out a tradition of watching weekend sports together cheering on the Phillies and Eagles. Bruce also cherished his paw-children who supply unconditional, joy, laughter and comfort. First there was Goldendoodle, Tama Chan, meaning “little friend” who was aptly named by Brendan. Her loss remains palpable. Goldendoodle, Grace loves her Daddie. While she is a “smoog” taking up majority room in the king-sized bed she has a continuing light that kept him amused and smiling.

Bruce’s extended non-blood family and friends were robust. The stories of their adventures seem endless, however, always brought a laugh and sometimes a tear.

Bruce will be greatly missed by many. Yet his spirit remains in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:00-11:30 AM Friday, October 17, 2025 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:30 AM. Interment private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.