David Morgan Boyd, Jr., 77

David Morgan Boyd Jr., 77, of New Wilmington passed away peacefully early Wednesday evening, July 28, 2010, in his home surrounded by family and friends after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on June 23, 1933, in Johnstown, Pa., he was the first of two sons of the late David Morgan Boyd, Sr. and Bernice Hammer Boyd.
He lived in New Wilmington, attending Vine Street School through graduation in 1951, then graduated in 1955 from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., with a degree in chemistry. He was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity.
Upon graduation, he married Martha Ann Reaney, and enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Pacific until receiving an honorable discharge in 1957. Instead of joining Firestone, Akron, Ohio as a chemist, Dave returned home to assist in management of the D.M. Boyd Company as his father was ill at the time. Later his brother Wendell joined him in the business of providing construction and maintenance soils to golf courses which they operated together until Dave’s retirement in 1996, They also operated a pine tree nursery during Christmas season that was a hobby, and love of their father, and enjoyed by many in the area. Boyd Christmas trees line the main entrance to Westminster College.
A faithful member of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, Dave served as a deacon and enjoyed working with the decorating committee during Christmas. A devoted business leader, he served as Wilmington Township auditor, Lawrence County Planning Commissioner, a New Wilmington volunteer fireman for 24 years, a former First Seneca Bank Advisory Board director and the Grove City Country Club membership chair. Dave was a charter member of the Free and Accepted Masons Wilmington Lodge
804 and belonged to the Scottish Rite, Valley of New Castle. Professionally, he was a member and treasurer of the Pennsylvania Turf Grass Council.
Dave’s greatest joys were his family and friends. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was encouraging to others with a hearty laugh, good natured personality and an absolutely infectious smile. He had a passion for fellowship through activities of skiing, golfing, traveling, miscellaneous tomfoolery and always good times with good friends.
In addition to his beloved wife, Martha ‘Marti’ Boyd of 55 years, survivors include three children and their spouses, D. Michael Boyd and his wife, Kelly, of New Wilmington; Cynthia Ritchey and her husband, Thomas, of Huntingdon, Pa., and Wendy Rich and her husband, Michael, of Camden, Maine; five grandchildren, Jessica Wagner of Pittsburgh, MIDN 1/C David Ritchey of Annapolis, Md., Sarah Ritchey of Granville, Ohio, Anna Rich of Pittsburgh and Kate Rich of Camden; a brother, Wendell Boyd and his wife, Lindy, and family, of New Wilmington; and a cousin, Pat, and her husband, Dean Frank of McCandless, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Smith Funeral Home, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington. Masonic Services will be held at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 Market St.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Market St., New Wilmington; City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, Pa. 16103; or the Dominican Children’s Scholarship Fund in care of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.

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Smith Funeral Home
Slippery Rock, PA.

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