Richard William Boylston's Obituary
Boylston, The Honorable Richard William, 55, of Leesburg, died May 21, 2011 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born Dec. 4, 1955 in New York, New York, Richard moved to Central Florida at the age of one, but he always considered himself a “Yankee.” He took pride in giving private tours of “his” New York with friends and family. His childhood was spent playing in the orange groves of Orlando and later on the golf course of Rio Pinar Country Club Estates where the family resided. “Red,” as Richard became known due to his bright red hair, graduated from Bishop Moore High School in 1973. He went on to become a funeral director for his good friend, Rick Baldwin, and earned a degree in Mortuary Science from Miami-Dade Community College. Red moved back home and commuted to Deland to finish his undergraduate degree at Stetson University. In 1982 he graduated with his J.D. from Stetson Law School in St. Petersburg. As a child, Red always enjoyed watching Perry Mason and other legal shows, which he always credited for his decision to pursue his career in law. Before entering into private practice, Red spent two years as an Assistant State Attorney in the Lake County State Attorney’s office. In 1989 Red was appointed a Lake County Judge by Gov. Bob Martinez, a position he held for the next 21 years. Judge B. was regarded as fair, compassionate, and witty. He was respected and loved by everyone in and out of his courtroom. Facing health challenges, Red retired from the bench in 2010 to devote more time to his family. Red belonged to numerous professional associations, including the Florida Bar, American Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, Florida Municipal Attorneys Association, Florida Conference of County Court Judges, American Judges Association and the Florida Funeral Directors Association. He assisted in founding the Felony Pre-Trial Intervention Program in Lake County and was Chairman of the Lake County Canvassing Board. He also took great pride in serving as Lake County’s coroner. While in private practice he acted as City Attorney for Umatilla and Fruitland Park. Red was licensed to practice before the Florida Supreme Court, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit), the United States District Court (Middle District of Florida), and the United States Tax Court. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus, Lake County Historical Society, Lake County Courthouse Preservation Committee and the Lake County Quarterback Club. Red was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene W. and Jean S. Boylston. He is survived by his wife, Karen and children, Benjamin Boylston and Whitney Boylston Luckhart of Eustis, Jessica Boylston of College Park, MD, Cameron Boylston of Gainesville and David Boylston of Tavares. Red is also survived by his stepson, Clay Marlin of Leesburg, nephew, Bryan Meagher of Tavares, and siblings Michael Boylston of Alva, Susan Mallary of Winston-Salem, NC, Barbara Harlow of Orlando and Patricia Bowen of Kissimmee. Visitation was held Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Steverson, Hamlin, & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations in Tavares. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10 a.m., St. Paul Catholic Church, 1330 Sunshine Avenue, Leesburg, FL. Interment followed at Tavares Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Richard’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1650 W. Main Street, Ste. 3, Leesburg, FL 34748 (352)326-9599. Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook below. The Mass can be viewed by live webcam by clicking the link http://ccstpaul.com/resources/live-church-cam/
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