By Liz Kerr
Pat and Nancy Boyle could very well win the title of most philanthropic couple in Philadelphia. Their generosity and dedication to those in need, particularly toward children, is unmatched.
In their careers, Pat and Nancy have lived a life of service to others.
Pat served as a member of the Philadelphia Police Department from 1966 to 2004, when he retired at the rank of Detective.
Nancy dedicated her career to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, starting at Fitzgerald Mercy in 1970 and retiring in 2018 from Jeanes Hospital.
Retirement has in no way slowed them down. They are involved in their community at every level.
Pat is the President of the Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund, President of AOH Officer Daniel Boyle Division 88, Board Member of the Danny Boyle Recreation Center, a Grand Knight with the St. Katharine Drexel Knights of Columbus, Member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Emerald Society, and the Irish Society. He is a former Board Member of the Thomas Cannon Fund, the Lazarus Foundation, the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation, and the St. Veronica’s Mission School.
Nancy took up the challenge of learning to play the bagpipe and is now a piper with the Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes and Drums. She has performed in events and parades all over the Philadelphia area and in Ireland. As President of LAOH Officer Daniel Boyle Division 88, she is very involved in Hibernian activities and charitable giving. She serves as Treasurer for the Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund.
Pat and Nancy raised two children, Daniel and Kathleen, who also chose careers of service.
Kathleen Boyle Wrigley is an award-winning advocate for victims’ rights. She and her family live in North Dakota, where she is a social worker and school counselor. Pat and Nancy are the proud grandparents of Quinn, Patrick, and Harper.
In 1991, their son Danny, a 21-year-old rookie officer in the Philadelphia Police Department, was killed on duty while bravely protecting the community. In honor of their son, Pat and Nancy created The Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund. The benevolence of this fund continues to have a positive impact across the city.
Over 1,400 students have been provided tuition assistance scholarships. A total of more than $1,014,000 has been granted to students based on their commitment to maintain good grades, conduct, and attendance.
A partial list of schools whose students have received scholarship awards from The Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund includes Archbishop Ryan, Father Judge, Little Flower, Monsignor Bonner, Archbishop Prendergast, Cardinal Dougherty, Roman Catholic, North Catholic, Cardinal Brennan (Ashland, PA).
The elementary schools include St. Gabriel (Grays Ferry), St. Veronica (North Philadelphia), St. Bridget (East Falls), St. Francis de Sales (West Philadelphia), St. Dominic (Holmesburg).
Pat and Nancy believe in creating safe spaces for children and have extended their generosity to the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, which dedicated the Somerton playground as the Officer Daniel Boyle Memorial Recreation Center. The Officer Daniel Boyle Pre-School program is located in the Center.
Pat is one of four children of Joseph and Grace (Kelly) Boyle. His Irish roots can be traced to County Donegal and County Mayo.
Nancy is one of five children of Edward and Margaret (Smith) Byrne. Her Irish roots can be traced to County Wicklow.
Pat and Nancy’s positivity and optimism is a blessing to the community.
Congratulations on your well-deserved induction to The Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame!
