David Boyce, retired federal employee
David Boyce, 71, of Henlopen Acres passed away peacefully at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, after battling multiple myeloma for eight years. David was born in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 1946, son of Ruth C. Boyce of East Liverpool, Ohio, and William Richard Boyce of Chester, W.Va. He grew up in Alexandria, Va., and graduated from high school in 1965.
David enlisted in the Navy and served two years active duty, and five years in the reserves. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1973 and got his master’s degree from Suffolk University in 1979. His career was varied and finished with 20 years of service in the federal government, working in the department of Inspector General as an internal auditor at the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Postal Service and the Agency for International Development in the Millennium Challenge Corporation. This last job afforded him opportunities to visit interesting countries such as Georgia, Honduras and Benin.
David loved Rehoboth Beach, coming here since he was 5 years old, and enjoying his residence in Henlopen Acres since 1970. Retirement here in 2010 seemed like coming home. He enjoyed the camaraderie of friends, the slower pace of life and the enjoyment of nature. He transferred his strong work ethic into a love of volunteering with the Community Resource Center, The Rehoboth Beach Film Society, Tunnell Cancer Center and the Rehoboth Art League. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church was a great joy to him. He was friendly and kind to everyone he met, and loved to get people smiling with his cheerful demeanor and his love of listening to others and sharing jokes. When he wasn’t volunteering, he enjoyed golfing several times a week and bowling weekly. A passion of David’s was traveling to various places around the world with his wife of 48 years, Elinor Boyce. He also enjoyed following professional football (the Patriots) and college football (University of Georgia) and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox.
David was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His greatest delight in the last six years was his two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Elinor; son Lee C. Boyce of Washington, D.C.; and daughter Keith Levin and her husband Jeremy Levin, the parents of Mason and Amber of Franklin, Mass.
A celebration of David’s life will take place at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. The family would prefer contributions in place of flowers. Suggestions are The Community Resource Center, 37510 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 211 Mulberry St., Lewes, DE 19958, or Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
