1911 – 1972 (October 22)
Francis Xavier Boyle, son of Daniel Boyle and Agnes Reily, was born in Philadelphia on October 10, 1911. He graduated from Augustinian Academy in 1928 and was received as a novice with his older brother, Joseph, on September 9, 1928. Together both brothers professed simple vows on September 10, 1929, graduated from Villanova College in 1933, made their solemn profession on September 10, 1932, and were ordained to the priesthood in Washington, DC, June 9, 1936, by Bishop John McNamara at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They celebrated their first Solemn Masses at the Church of the Holy Ghost in Bethlehem, Pa. Father Francis received his M.A. in philosophy from Catholic University the next year.
Father Francis Boyle’s first assignment was to Oxford, England, where he completed his M.A. in Economics in 1940. From that year until his death Father served at Villanova in various capacities. He was the University infirmarian from 1943-1964, Assistant Dean, and later, Dean of the School of Commerce and Finance from 1958-1962, and Chairman of the Economics Department from 1959 to 1962.
Father Boyle died at Villanova on October 22, 1972, of a heart attack, at age 61. He is buried at Saint Denis Cemetery in Havertown, Pennsylvania.
A man of quiet nature, compassionate and sensitive, he was the younger brother of Father Joseph Boyle of our Province, whom he predeceased by nine years.
