Obituary of Richard W. Boyko

Belchertown, Richard W. Boyko, 75, died peacefully on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family.  Born in Ware, April 9, 1946, he was the son of Walter J. and Lena (Nikodem) Boyko and has been a lifelong resident.   Following graduation from Belchertown High School, he was drafted into the US Marines, serving during the Vietnam War.  From an early age, Rich worked for the family business, Mill Valley Splicing in Belchertown, with his father. He later became the co –owner with his brother and continued on in the business until his retirement in 2018. 

In his leisure, he enjoyed deep sea fishing, participating in and having success in many tournaments. He and his fishing buddies often placed in the top 3 or 4 and eventually were invited to compete in a very prestigious tournament.   Additionally, he loved trips to the camp in Maine, which he enjoyed with his sons, late brother in law Ned, and many nieces and nephews.  An avid skier, he also enjoyed many weekend trips to Vermont with his family. There are many who affectionately referred to him as “Doc“ for his ability to diagnose and fix just about anything.   

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Guyott, whom he married on October 23, 1971.  He also leaves his two sons and their families, Gregory R. and his wife Alyssa (Hall), Christopher G. and his wife Andrea (Stephens), and his 5 precious granddaughters Lillian, Eliza, Josephine, Hannah, and Lucy, all of Belchertown.  He also leaves his brother James and his wife Donna of Belchertown and a step brother Paul Bartak and wife Jackie of Kentucky, along with many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother Josie (Wysk) who died in 1986, his sister Barbara Cohrs, and stepbrother Gerry Bartak.

To protect everyone’s health, and to honor Rich in a fitting, nontraditional way, the family invites everyone to a Drive by Visitation at their home at 91 Rural St., Belchertown, on Thursday, October 7 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Guests will remain in their vehicles, entering the property from the pine grove side.   Betty and her family will greet everyone as they drive by and exit to the south (near the ponds). (Staff will be there to direct the procession).   On Friday, there will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware.  Guests are encouraged to wear masks, and the family will once again, observe strict social distancing.  For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will be available later Friday afternoon by visiting https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1902488675.  This link will be able to be used for 90 days.

To further honor Rich’s memory, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, 02115-6084  or to the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BUCC, 18 Park St., Belchertown, MA 01007.  Please denote the donation is in memory of Richard W. Boyko. There will also be a basket at the visitation procession so that guests may leave cards for the family.