Alexander V. Boyer
Alexander V. Boyer, 75, of Canton Township, died Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in the Washington Hospital emergency room. He was in failing health for the last several months, never recovering from the death of his son, Randy. His wife, Pat, was at his side as he passed over.
He was born September 29, 1937, in the small town of West Lebanon, Indiana County, a son of the late LeRoy and Frances Dunmire Boyer.
Mr. Boyer attended a one-room schoolhouse and loved to tell stories of his early life. He was a graduate of Elders Ridge High School and Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
His first teaching job was at Clarion-Limestone School in Clarion County. After his marriage, he and his wife relocated to Washington County, where he taught at Avella High School. He was a guidance counselor for the next 39 years. He loved his students and was proud of their life’s accomplishments. He served as both acting high school principal and superintendent, when necessary. He also was involved in the special education program and was proud of his grant-writing ability.
Mr. Boyer was active in the community, especially where his son was concerned. He was president of Patton Panthers Football Team Boosters. He and his wife never missed a game.
He was a member of Church of the Covenant, where he was very active as an ordained deacon for many years. He was on the music and worship committee and OAR committee. For many years, he was the person designated to pick up rolls for fish fries and picnics. He could always be found at Church of the Covenant on Monday mornings.
Mr. Boyer loved U.S. Civil War history, and many of his summer vacations involved trips to historical sites.
He was not only an active member of TRIO, he also was a board member and president for many years. He was proud of knowing and working with Dr. Thomas Starzl, and having gotten his autograph on his book, “The Puzzle People.” He enjoyed getting to know fellow transplant patients, sharing their stories and being a source of inspiration to them. He was also a current board member of TRIO International, and served as chapter council president.
On June 23, 1962, in Waterford, he married his wife of 50 years, Patricia A. Fedorko, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Sue Baker Boyer, and two granddaughters, Alexandra N. and Morgan E. Boyer, whom he loved with all his heart.
Deceased are a son, the Rev. Randy V. Boyer, and his in-laws, Frank and Helen Greshok.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 11, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301, with the Rev. Stuart D. Broberg officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Church of the Covenant; CORE, 204 Sigma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238; or TRIO-Pittsburgh, Falk Building, Room 601, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; or TRIO International, 2100 M Street, NW #170-353, Washington, DC 20037-1233. Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Friends are welcome to bring pictures, printed memories and other remembrances to the funeral home for uploading to a family scrapbook which will be available in real time for the family to view via www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director.