Neil D. Boyer

Neil D. Boyer, 93, of Fleetwood, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, at his home.

Neil was born at 27 East Locust Street on June 15, 1930. The Boyer family participated in the 1940 Reunion of the Pumpkin Family, and entered that year's Halloween parades, traveling throughout Berks County. During his teenage years, he worked at Boyer, Hensinger, Kleppinger General Store at Richmond and Main. He also worked at Fleetwood Knitting Mill on Richmond and Poplar Streets. He was a member of the 1948 graduating class of Fleetwood High School, the same year as the Fleetwood "75th" Diamond Jubilee.

In 1949, Neil enlisted in the PA Army National Guard, and two years later, in 1951, was activated into the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge on December 23, 1952. Neil and Anna (Spohn) Boyer were married on April 19, 1952. They raised four children (Rick, James, Michael, and Ann) on Race Street since 1961, where Neil continued to call home. As a lifelong resident of Fleetwood, Neil had been an active community member, serving in key positions in many organizations. Neil was the first Vice President of the Fleetwood Little League. He served on St. Paul's Lutheran Church Council in the 1970's, and also participated in the Fleetwood Community Softball League.

In 1973, Neil participated in the Fleetwood Centennial Celebration as a member of several community organizations. For many years, Neil served at Breakfast Brothers and was an active member of the Fleetwood Lions Club, including serving as President from 1976-1977. He served the Fleetwood Area School District as a member of the School Board from 1976-1980, including time as the School Board Treasurer. Neil worked for East Penn Manufacturing for 31 years, retiring in 1992.

For 15 years, following his retirement, Neil was a wooden toy maker, and made thousands of toys that he sold to local interested buyers, and at craft shows. A replica Fleetwood Fire Company Ladder Truck is currently housed in the Fleetwood Historical Society. Neil was a member of the Legionnaires at the Horace M. Kieffer, American Legion Post 625, Fleetwood, and enjoyed visiting his friends at the legion. At the age of 90, Neil decided to take up painting on canvas. He created over 50 works of art, modeled after the style of his favorite artist, Bob Ross. Neil truly enjoyed hanging out at Dick's Service Station with his buddies, and playing Texas Hold'em at Berks Encore every Tuesday.

Neil is survived by his three children, Ricky N. Boyer, husband of Nancy C. (Berger) Boyer, Muhlenberg Twp, Michael J. Boyer, husband of Brenda R. (Ruth) Boyer, Fleetwood, and Ann L. (Boyer) Angstadt, wife of David P. Angstadt, Fleetwood. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Karen K. (Kemmerer) Boyer, widow of James H. Boyer, Fleetwood, his grandchildren, Bradley, Melissa, Jourdan, Evan, Vanessa, and Christian, his great-grandchildren, Wesley, Brynn, Beckett, Rhett, and Archer, his sister-in-law, Marion Boyer, widow of E. Richard Boyer, Fleetwood, and by many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and his wife, Anna, Neil was preceded in death by his son, James H. "Pickle" Boyer, and by his brothers, Raymond Boyer, E. Richard Boyer, and Carl Boyer.

Memorial Services for Neil will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, 14390 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood. Burial will follow in Fleetwood Cemetery.

A visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Donations in Neil's memory can be made to Next Step Berks, 3709 N. Alabama Ave, Reading, PA 19605.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is honored to be caring for our dear friend, Neil. Online condolences may be offered to his family at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.