William “Bill” Thomas Boylen, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by loved ones, just days shy of his 84th birthday.
Born on February 16, 1942, Bill was the fourth of five sons born to Larry and Bernice Boylen. A proud Irish Catholic and lifetime member of St. Alphonsus Parish, he carried his faith, loyalty, and strong sense of family through every chapter of his life.
Bill shared his later years with his dear wife, Linda Boylen. He was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, Chris (Boylen) Nicoletti, and her husband, Charles Williams, and a deeply cherished grandfather to Nicholas Nicoletti and Diana (Nicoletti) McCarthy, all of whom remained by his side in his final moments.
His blue eyes, which lit up at a good joke or great story, live on in his great-grandson, Connor McCarthy. He is also remembered by many who loved him like a father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, including Linda’s children: Todd and Holly Hans; Tom and Susan Hans; Tara (Hans) Jonker and her husband Ryan; their families; and his grandson-in-law, Riley McCarthy, a fellow proud Irishman.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Diana (Challender) Boylen, who held a special place in his heart. Bill is now reunited with their son, William Boylen, and joins his four brothers (“The Boylen Boys”) Mick, Fred, Terry, and Tom.
Bill was equal parts integrity, humor, grit, and generosity. As a charitable philanthropist, he gave his time, his prayers, and many anonymous donations throughout the years to local Grand Rapids charities. He lived boldly and fully, loving hard and standing firmly by the people he cared about.
He built his career as an entrepreneur and became a legend in the tape and stretch film business with his tell-it-like-it-is, unfiltered attitude. As he founded Boylen’s Mid State Sales in the 1970s, his incredible work ethic and charisma earned him respect, tremendous success, and lasting friendships for decades to come.
As a dedicated football fan, Bill proudly sported number 33 through high school as a Catholic Central Cougar (1956-1960) and during his time at GRCC, a passion for the game that stayed with him throughout his life. Bill also had a special love for his dogs, especially boxers. If all dogs go to heaven, he is surely reunited with his loyal pack.
We also cannot talk about Bill without talking about Las Vegas. He and his daughter Chris share many fond memories traveling the world together, but some of the best were at the tables playing his favorite game of baccarat.
Lastly, Bill’s legacy at Big White Fish Lake will forever be remembered. Summers on the water, boating, laughing, and gathering with friends and family became part of the treasured traditions he leaves behind. Those days captured him best as the nights ran into mornings, laughter carried across the water, and no one left without a good time.
Bill was truly one of a kind. He was the type of man whose stories grow larger with every retelling and whose presence not only filled a room, but the whole house.
In his final moments, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played softly. The song is a fitting tribute, because Bill lived exactly that way: on his own terms, with conviction, loyalty, and heart. As he enters eternal rest, his questions are answered, his mind is at peace, and he is home.
To know him was to love him, and he was deeply loved.
Family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4PM & 6-8PM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, with a Rosary starting at 7:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier Street NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49505, with visitation starting at 10:30AM . A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30-3PM after the funeral services at Cascade Hills Country Club, 3725 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Memorial Contributions in Bill’s honor can be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
9 Responses
I will always remember Bill’s stories from the Quinn’s St Patrick’s Parties to fun times at Big Whitefish Lake. May the warm and loving memories of Bill bring much comfort to his Family and loved ones.
Chris and family
I really loved Bill. He was one of favorite salesman that I worked with. He alway had great laughs when he was in the Columbia SC for sales meeting.
I still miss him as we work to get that order out the door.
Much blessing to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing – while the obituary was outstanding no words can truly captivate total Bill Boylen that I knew and loved
I met bill almost 50 years ago and while I was his customer he became my mentor in many areas besides business
He was one of the most interesting man I ever met and he wouldn’t take no for an answer would made him one or the top salesmen I have ever met- he had one expression I will always remember “Timothy I want you to remember-“Never put a price on a Good Time” And he never did!
Will miss you Bill
Tim Demarais
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill for the first time in 1988 when we worked together selling tape in his market. I was 33 at the time and a green, newly promoted sales manager who knew nothing and asked for all the help I could get. God has a way of putting people together, in my case student and the mentor I desperately needed. We worked together for many years, and he introduced me to his family as well as several of his closest friends and we became friends as well.
I learned my craft and how to conduct business and treat the people I came in contact with, all with Bill’s help and guidance. Through the years I have had the opportunity to pay Bill’s generous spirit forward many times. I will be forever grateful for Bill’s kindness, frankness, honesty, integrity, generosity, and, of course, storytelling.
I sit here with tears in my eyes as I write this. I guess that says it all. In the final analysis, the world was a much better place with Bill in it, and while he may be on a new adventure, the world is still a better place as a result of the good that he did while he was here.
Spent many a good time with Bill – working and playing hard duck hunting together along with his brother an old friend! RIP Billy Boy
When I started my manufactures’ representatives firm in 1985, I leaned on Bill for advice on how to walk the fine line of being an independent contractor vs. a company employee. The need to develop relationships that will carry you forward not only in the good times, but also the bad. His frank, matter of fact, and to the point attitude is something I always enjoyed and admired. Because of him, I improved upon this trait. I came to know the personal side of Bill thru Chris. How he had some much love for his family and friends. Bill, thanks for making me a better salesman but mostly a better person.
Dear Linda and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Find comfort in the fact that you are all in our daily prayers. Bill will be missed by many.
Love Fred and Mary
Bill will be greatly missed. He was a dear sweet man full of wisdom. We will be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
When I first met Bill I felt that he instantly liked me. Which of course, I then instantly liked him. I understood his style of humor and that smirk in his smile. Bill, you definitely did it “your way!” RIP