Gerald Joseph Boyce's Obituary
Gerald Joseph Boyce passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, at The Hale Makua, Long time facility, resulting in complications from covid. Born on February 9th, 1949, he was the son of Dennis and Marion Boyce. Gerald grew up in North Branford and shortly after graduating from North Branford Senior High, he enlisted in the US Army. Upon his discharge from the Army in January 1971, he chose to return to where was previously based in Hawai'i. Gerald called this his slice of heaven and with his gift of gab, he became a career bartender. He had a talent for bending the ear of the steady flow of customers at places like the Pieces of Eight and retiring after decades from the Chart House Waikiki in 2015.
Gerald loved to write poetry and create a variety of wooden "items" using his woodworking talents with teak and red mahogany as his choice of wood. He also loved to read. And read he did. No matter where he was, he had a book close by. Close to Gerald's heart were the years he dressed as Santa Claus and entertained a class of autistic children at Christman time. The children loved to touch his oversized white beard that made some children look at him in awe and others to have the biggest smiles on their faces. It broke his heart when the program ended but he always talked about "that time" for years.
Gerald was predeceased by his parents Dennis and Marion Boyce and an infant brother, Joseph. He is survived by three brothers, Dennis (Charlene) of No. Branford, CT, Kevin (Mimi), of Clinton, CT, and Brian (Julia Thomas), of Rumsey, CA. Gerald is also survived by nephews Matthew and Aidan, nieces Cailin and Jillian, and many great nieces and nephews. Gerald is also survived by what he considered his other family, Tama and Don Brandeburg and their daughters Taryn and Casey and their eight-year-old granddaughter, Ella. There will be no services at this time. Online condolences are welcomed by visiting https://www.nakamuramortuary.com/obituaries/
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