Michael John Boyd

Michael "Chopper" John Boyd, 66, of Forked River, New Jersey, passed away on September 24, 
2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born in Long Port, New Jersey, on September 6, 1954.  He graduated from Central 
Regional High School, where he played defensive guard for his father and coach, Joseph J. 
Boyd.  He took his football talents to Montclair State University Red Hawks and earned a 
Bachelor degree in Industrial Arts.

Michael was married to his high school sweetheart, Joanne Boyd (Wisniewski), on October 7, 
1978; he asked her to his Junior prom, and they were married for 42 years.  Theirs was a rare, 
deep love of mutual support and caring.

Michael was an Industrial Arts teacher at Manchester High School.  He was a master craftsman 
who taught Auto Shop, Wood Shop, and Technology courses and was dedicated to making sure 
his students reached their highest potential.  He also owned and operated Crystal Clear Pools and
was a lifeguard for the Seaside Heights Beach Patrol, a Boyd family tradition. 

Michael was an avid fisherman, the first to create a fishing vessel out of a wave runner.  He may 
have spent more time on the water than on land, and enjoyed fishing, clamming, boating, and 
spending time on the water with his family and friends.  Michael also loved golfing, duck 
hunting, woodcraft, and football; he remained steadfastly loyal to his Indianapolis Colts.  He was
actively involved in the Knights of Columbus (4 th  degree) and the St. Pius Church. Michael was a
person of faith and lived life to serve others.

Michael's children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of this life. He was an indomitable 
spirit and inspired his friends and family to persevere in the face of many challenges. Michael is 
survived by his three children, Audrey Lynn Iovino and her husband, Jay Ronald Iovino, Joanne 
Boyd, and Michael Joseph Boyd; his two grandchildren Ayden Jay and Aubrey Rosalie; his four 
siblings, Jackie Healey, Joseph Boyd, Pam Boyd, and Mary Jo Erdman; his nieces and nephews; 
and the rest of his relatives and friends. The legacy of his kind spirit and his inimitable sense of 
humor, will live on through them.

Those who knew Michael loved him, and he was affectionally called “Chopper,” a nickname 
given to him in childhood, with an origin that remains an enigma despite many tales.  There is no
thinking of Christmas without thinking of Chopper, the trainset he built over decades, which 
embodied the spirit of Christmas, and the special man he was to all who knew him.  He was the 
first uncle to get up from his chair after dinner to play football, the last one to call it quits after 
sledding, the adult who made everything fun for the kids, and the kind of friend everyone should 
be blessed to have.

Michael is now reunited with his parents, Rosalie and Joseph James Boyd, and his wife’s parents,
Joseph and Francis Wisniewski. Our beloved man of the sea will be sorely missed, and never 
forgotten.
 

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