Boice

Matthew Aaron Boice, 61, of East Washington, Pa., died Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.

He was born June 14, 1961, in Butler, and was a son of Janice Charles Boice, who survives, and the late Robert E. Boice.

Matthew was a 1979 graduate of Butler Area School District. He received the degrees of bachelor of music from Grove City College, master of music from Duquesne University, and had done doctoral work in music education at West Virginia University, as well as other post-graduate studies at Westminster Choir College and Kent State University.

Matthew spent his entire working life as a music educator, working for Avella Area, Peters Township, and most recently, Quaker Valley School District, from where he retired after 33 years in education. He also worked as an adjunct music professor at Washington and Jefferson College, Grove City College, California University of Pa., and Waynesburg University.

He was a member of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association for which he served in leadership positions and was a featured clinician of numerous choral festivals. He also belonged to American Choral Directors Association.

He was serving as the mayor of East Washington Borough.

Matthew was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a tenor soloist, and more recently was serving as their organist and music director.

He was a 20-year member of the professional core of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh under Robert Page, and was in demand as a soloist, clinician and conductor. He was performing Renaissance, baroque, Colonial, and Celtic music with Beau Street Players of Washington, and was the artistic director and conductor of the Washington Festival Chorale.

Matthew was past master of Sunset Lodge 237, F&AM, Washington, and was very active in the Syria Shrine and several Masonic fraternities.

On Oct. 22, 1983, in Derry, Pa., he married Linda Marsh, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sarah (Mitchell) Stecker and Kelly (Dustin) Fuller, both of Washington, Pa.; a brother, Dwight (Tammy) Boice of Butler; a sister, Wendy (Reuben III) Holt of Chicora; a granddaughter, Audra Fuller; his nieces, Jodi, Laura and Anna; his nephews, Reuben and Buck; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

BOICE — Friends of Matthew Aaron Boice, who died Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at PIATT AND BARNHILL FUNERAL HOME, 420 Locust Ave., Washington, Pa.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 1793, 100 E. Wheeling St., Washington, Pa., with the Rev. Dr. L. Stephen Smith Jr. and the Rev. Sandra Marsh McClain officiating.

Interment will be private.

Masonic services will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday evening in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org, or the First Presbyterian Church, 1793, Organ Fund at 100 E. Wheeling St., Washington, PA 15301.

Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, Andrew C. Piatt, director.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.