William M. Boylin

1951 - 2022

Dr. William M. Boylin, 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022, at his home in Durham, CT following a 28-year battle with prostate cancer. A remarkable husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all, William’s legacy is a symphony composed of love, compassion, and jubilation.

William was born on February 16, 1951, to Mildred and Eugene Boylin in Rochester, NY. After graduating from The Harley School in 1969, William attended Syracuse University, and achieved his doctorate in psychology from Heed University in 1982. William assisted countless patients as a psychotherapist and substance abuse counselor for the state of CT for nearly 30 years, before “retiring” to focus on his marriage and family therapy private practice. He attained a total of 50 years as a professional psychologist, in addition to being an adjunct faculty member at UCONN Health Center and Central Connecticut State University, where he greatly enjoyed training and mentoring young therapists.

William loved telling stories. In addition to publishing numerous journal articles, William authored the novel “Bedlam,” a collection of stories encapsulating a lifetime spent healing patients. William was proud that over 50,000 people attended “Family Night” at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), where he led a series of conversations related to mental health, substance abuse, marriage, and family therapy.

In 1977, William met the love of his life, Catherine Kelly, who also worked at CVH. They were married on October 15, 1983, and moved to Durham, CT where they raised two children and enjoyed 39 years of love, laughter, and playful teasing. Together, William and Catherine were passionately devoted to each other, their friends and family, and the world around them, structuring their lives to be in the service of others.

Best known for his charm, charisma, and flirtation with social boundaries, William loved to tell jokes, had a world-class smile, and was a passionate lover of music, especially songs composed or sung by his daughter, Kelly. He was never happier than when he was dancing, sailing with his son, Collin, playing with his grandchildren, or going to the movies, and he also had an insatiable sweet tooth. In addition to his wife Catherine, William is survived by his two children and their spouses – Kelly and Kristopher Surette, of Groveland, MA; Collin and Angelica Boylin, of Arlington, VA; grandchildren Brielle and Chelsea; his niece, Erin; and many dear friends.

Calling hours will be held at First Church of Christ in Middletown, CT in the memorial room on Friday, December 16th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. A celebration of William’s life will be held on Saturday, December 17th at First Church of Christ in Middletown, CT at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ASPCA or the American Cancer Society. To share memories or send condolences with the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.