Obituary of Robert J Boylston

Judge Robert J. Boylston (Bob) passed away April 29, 2021 after a short illness. He was born September 15, 1931 to the late William Judson Boylston and Dorothy Goldsmith Boylston in Sarasota, Florida. He was a lifelong resident of Florida. He grew up in Sarasota, attending local schools and graduated from Sarasota High School in 1949. Judge Boylston attended the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1953. He was active on campus while in college in Sigma Nu Fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa, honorary leadership fraternity. Prior to enrolling in the University of Florida College of Law, he served in the United States Army from 1953-1956. While in law school, he was a member of Phi Delta Phi, legal fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi, honorary scholastic fraternity. He served as Associate Editor of the University of Florida Law Review. He completed his Law Degree and was admitted to practice in Florida November 6, 1959. He served as law clerk and associate with a Jacksonville law firm before returning to Bradenton. He was an associate and partner in Goodrich, Hampton, and Boylston from 1960-1973 and a partner in Grimes, Goebel, Parry, Blue, and Boylston from 1973-1985. Governor Bob Graham appointed him as a Circuit Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida in July 1985. Judge Boylston served until he retired in December 1997. Judge Boylston was Past President of the Manatee County Bar Association (1972-73); a member of the Florida Bar; Past President of the Manatee County Girls Club, Inc. receiving the Girls Club Distinguished Service Award; and a former member of several other civic organizations. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Palmetto, Florida where he was a Sunday School teacher for many years. Judge Boylston was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Joan Boylston. He was a kind, loving, and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was considered by all who knew him to be a gentleman and a good and honest man. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Alice Boylston; daughters, Elizabeth Cardozo (John) and Anne Lewis (Clifton); five grandchildren, Sara Haynes (Lee), Clifton Lewis Jr., Elizabeth Mitchell (Spencer), Ayden and Anne Cardozo; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Palmetto. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1020 4th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221.