Robert H. Boyle

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 30, 2008

VIRGINIA BEACH—Lt. Cmdr. Robert H. Boyle, retired U.S. Navy, 76, died April 13, 2008, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Lt. Cmdr. Boyle was born in Philadelphia in July 1931, and entered naval service from that city in 1951.

He was commissioned an officer in 1960 and retired in 1972 after a distinguished 22-year career. Lt. Cmdr. Boyle was a longtime resident of Tidewater both during and after his Navy service.

Subsequent to his retirement he opened The Bee Hive, the first of three local bookstores, as well as a book wholesaling company in Norfolk.

He retired to Florida in 1997.

He was predeceased by a son, Robert in 1979; a granddaughter, Melanie; and his beloved wife of 52 years, the former Jane Louise Raley of Philadelphia in 2003.

Survivors include sons, Jeffry of Zuni and Timothy of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; a sister, Joan Tourville of Ohio; six grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. May 5 in St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach.