Saratoga Springs, NY - Col. William J. (Wild Bill) Boyle (Retired), 91, of Michael Drive, died Friday (June 12, 2009) at the Wesley Health Care Center, surrounded by his family. Bill was born on Aug. 29, 1917, to William L. and Marie Foley Boyle in Brooklyn, NY and had one brother, Joseph (deceased). He was an accomplished track athlete in high school, participating in the 1935 Millrose Games, graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1935 and the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1939. He received his M.A. from East Carolina University, married the former Barbara Craig in 1947 and remained happily married for 62 years. He was dedicated to the well-being of his family. His military career spanned 28 years. He was commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 517th Parachute Infantry in World War Two until he was severely wounded by enemy fire in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his recovery, he went on to serve in the Korean War, retiring from the Army in 1967. He and his family relocated to Saratoga Springs where he headed security services at the Saratoga Harness Track, served in city government and was self-employed as an accountant. Bill was especially fond of his friendships and memories of the 517th Parachute Combat Team of WWII. He was a strong, fair leader held in high esteem by his fellow paratroopers, including those led by his command. In recognition of heroic acts during battle, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. Devoted to the Roman Catholic Church, he was a faithful communicant of St. Clements Parish, Saratoga Council 246 third degree Knights of Columbus and a member of Saratoga Assembly 745 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and Adirondack Post 70 American Legion. He was also a member and former president of the 517 Parachute Association. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Babbie) Craig Boyle; a sister-in-law, Catherine (Hearn) Boyle of St. Petersburg Beach, FL; ten proud children, William Boyle Jr. of Salt Lake City, UT, Patrick and Ruth Boyle of Egan, MN, Miriam (Mimsey) Kelly of Saratoga Springs, Michael Boyle of Kenai, AK, Barbara (Babsy) and Roy Claydon of Saratoga Springs, Margaret (Peggy) and Pearse Boyle-OShiel of Ireland, Timothy and Diane Boyle of Malta, Ann and Douglas Haller of Saratoga Springs, Sheila Boyle of Albany and Beth and Gary Rhodes of Saratoga Springs; 22 devoted grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins; several loving friends and fellow paratroopers, and his cat, Blackie. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 8pm Wednesday at the William J. Burke & Sons/Buissing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Members of the Saratoga K of C will meet at 6:30pm Wednesday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Thursday in St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue. Burial with military honors will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Memorials may be made in his name to 517th Film Project, c/o Leo Dean, 14 Stonehenge Lane, Albany, NY 12203. The family would like to thank Saratoga Hospital, Community Hospice, Wesley Nursing Home, the Stratton VAMC and St. Clements family for the care and attention provided to Bill over the last several months.