Grace R. Boyle

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Grace (Russo) Boyle achieved many firsts.

The first woman in her family to graduate from college, Grace received a degree in journalism from Niagara University. As the women’s editor for the Niagara Gazette and later with the Advanced-Star in the 1960s, Grace elevated the status quo by covering topics that inspired conversation and controversy.

An accomplished author, her short stories on world travels were featured in Reader’s Digest. Together with her husband, Peter Boyle, Grace published “How to Live Like a King… in America,” a light-hearted and uplifting story featuring their beloved Cavelier King Charles Spaniel.

The first woman to establish a business in Lewiston, NY, in the 1970s, Grace ran a successful advertising agency retaining national accounts in multiple industries. With her innovative copy and tag lines, and unique artwork from her brother, the late Sam Russo, larger firms scrambled to compete.

Grace shared her passions as an avid skier, tennis player, and lover of the arts and the written word with family, instilling a life-long legacy for appreciation of athletics, theater, dance, music, art, and education.

In later years, between bridge games, pickle ball, and gourmet cooking, Grace became the first to feature her interviews with famous Northern California retirees and their accomplishments in the local paper.

Grace is survived by her husband, Peter, sister Lucy (Russo) Pitrone, Brother-in-law Russell Pitrone, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She will be terribly missed. May she rest in peace.