Lawrence "Lyle" Boel

Lawrence Lyle Boel, 89, of Averill Park, NY, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on January 1, 2026, in Rensselaer, NY.

Lyle was born in Albany, NY on January 19, 1936, to Lawrence Boel, a Dutch immigrant, and Daisy (Wilcox) Boel. Lyle grew up in Rensselaer, NY and from a young boy he helped his father in his heating oil, electrical and excavation business. He was bundled up and laid under a truck at age four to hold the light for his father, and by age seven he had completed his first truck engine overhaul on his own. He was the cherished only child of his parents. He attended Rensselaer High School. In 1951, Lyle met his future bride, Naomi McCulley, a pastor’s daughter, and they married on June 30, 1956. They were very happy in those early years, especially as they welcomed each of their four children. Lyle’s life, as any life, had its share of joys and sorrows, but his dedication to his faith in Jesus and the love he had for his family were the hallmarks of his life. His family knew that he would sacrifice anything to help them at any time. As he himself said, “You are my children, I am your father. All I have at my disposal is also yours,” and this extended to his grandchildren as well. In their late 50s, Lyle and Naomi welcomed their five young grandchildren into their home and did their best to raise them in a loving environment that was shaped by their shared faith. Though this was a challenge, it was also a blessing, and Lyle’s grandchildren came to view him as a father-figure in their lives. It was his fondest wish that every member of his family would come to know the peace of the Lord that he, himself had found.

Lyle owned Boel’s Oil and Paving with his father, and independently before selling the business in 1970. He worked for Abele Tractor and Equipment for 39 years as their operations manager and was on their corporate board. He also worked for six years for Mack Trucks, and in his retirement at Tremont Lumber and True Value Hardware. Beyond his work experience, Lyle had a profound influence through his engineering ingenuity and problem-solving abilities that were much appreciated and sought after, but that often went unheralded. He was an advisor to many corporations and projects. Chrysler Corporation called on him to help troubleshoot in the design of their cars, he advised on the development of the bobsled for the US in the 1980 Olympic Games, he devised a solution for straightening the path of lasers in moist, underground applications, and was often called for advice on engineering roads and fixing equipment, and much more. He was also an exceptional salesman. Lyle had a remarkable abundance of gifts that were evident throughout his life. His strong, beautiful singing voice was an inspiration to his family and to his church family at First Reformed Church in Wynantskill where he was an elder and a frequent vice president of the consistory. His outgoing and easy manner and natural leadership abilities made him a friend and confidante to many. One of his greatest joys was serving as a Spiritual Care Chaplain at Albany Memorial and Samaritan Hospitals. He connected easily with patients who were suffering, and he wanted everyone to find the hope of Jesus that he knew. In fact, everywhere he went, in every circumstance, he was looking for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with all he met.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife, Naomi (McCulley) Boel; his children: Elizabeth von den Driesch (Guy), David Boel (LeAnn), Paul Boel (Eunju), and Suzanne Hart (Kevin); grandchildren: Christopher Boel, Richard Boel (Amanda), Victoria Boel (Gabe), Elizabeth Hart, Joshua Boel (Hannah), Benjamin Hart, Joseph Boel, Nathan Hart, Janetta Boel, and Anna Hart; his great grandchildren: Jossolyn, Meloni, Trinity, Isaac, Elijah, Katherine, Caden, Evelyn, Alexavier, Avery, and Joshua. He loved and prayed for each and every precious child. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his lifetime friend, Thomas Cornforth who stood with him through many trials. We also give thanks to God for his beloved pup, Dottie, who was a great and abiding comfort to him in his final days.

Lyle knew he owed everything he had to God’s grace, love, mercy and forgiveness. Much earlier in his life, while recovering from a serious illness, he fully surrendered his life to Jesus. He knew in that moment that it was not about a particular outcome—it was about the love God had for him and his putting himself fully in God’s hands. It is no coincidence that as he departed this world for the next, the hymn that was playing was “I Surrender All.” Well done, good and faithful servant.

Family and friends may visit with the family on January 17 from 9:30 am-11am at First Reformed Church, 413 Main Ave., Wynantskill, NY. A service of remembrance and witness to the resurrection will be held following the visitation at the same location beginning at 11 am. Pastor Bruce McCulley and Pastor Bethany Popkes will officiate.

Memorial gifts in Lyle’s honor may be given to Doors of Hope, 12 Mall Way, West Sand Lake, NY or the First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, NY.