Reverend Boyd B. Lowry passed away on August 10, 2026, at age 92. Together for 68 years with his wife, Mary, they moved from Ridgewood, NJ, to Morningside Gardens in 1993. He was well loved by his children, Eva, Ruthanne, Boyd, and Genevieve, and his 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; we plan to tell them all about him. Always together, Boyd and Mary loved living in New York City, enjoying concerts at Lincoln Center, Broadway shows, and events in the park.

Growing up in La Grange, Indiana, one of five children. Faith and music were integral parts of his life. His family enjoyed singing around the piano, and he joined his church choir at age 14. Boyd thought he might become a businessman after working in a clothing store; the owner encouraged him to choose Wabash College and eventually McCormick Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1958. To graduate, Boyd was sent to Minnesota to train to be a minister. There, he met the love of his life. Mary Jane. Boyd and Mary were married on June 6, 1958.

Boyd Lowry spent most of his career serving others; combining both his business skills and strong faith, he was hired by Church World Service (CWS) and later Coordination in Development (CODEL) to provide food and disaster relief to developing countries. Guided by his faith, he partnered with in-country agencies to build sustainable systems and practices.

Boyd put it simply: "Imagine what we could do if the world worked together."

They lived in Pakistan for 3 years; it was there that their family began with their first child, Eva.

They moved back to New York City, where they had 2 more children, Ruthanne and Boyd, and later to Ridgewood, NJ, where they added Genevieve. They attended West Side Presbyterian Church for its strong music program and mission work. Boyd led a men’s group that met Saturday mornings for several years. He participated in the Hillside Players theater group and even played Jesus in the Tenebrae Service. They loved the church and had many great friends there, often being the last to leave after coffee hour.

In Boyd’s retirement years, he provided interim ministry services to area churches.

He read The New York Times daily, enjoyed travel, and loved being around his noisy family, even though he was a quiet guy. He had a beautiful tenor voice and joined first the men’s chorus at Wabash College, then the choir at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ, and later the Unforgettable Chorus, a program for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. Music was an integral part of his life.

Faith guided him and embodied his life’s work. He encouraged his children to pursue work they loved, work that was meaningful and in support of others. This is his legacy.