Kevin Boylan Wilkes-Barre PA Obituary: A Life of Dedication and Community Impact

Kevin Boylan, a beloved 74-year-old resident of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and former owner of Kevin’s Bar and Restaurant in Kingston, passed away on July 19, 2025, after a long illness. His death has left a profound void in the Wyoming Valley community, where he was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, warm hospitality, and deep connections with family and friends .

Background Information
Born in Wilkes-Barre on March 15, 1951, Kevin was the son of the late Eugene and Nancy (Walsh) Boylan. A proud graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1972, he furthered his education at Luzerne County Community College. Kevin’s career was marked by his passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry .

Entrepreneurial Journey
He began in 1982 as part of a group that opened The Locker Room on Market Street in Kingston, which he operated successfully for nearly four years. His entrepreneurial journey continued with Boylan’s in Swoyersville from 1994 to 2006, later becoming Murphy’s Pub. In 2010, Kevin realized a dream by opening Kevin’s Bar and Restaurant at 247 Wyoming Avenue in Kingston, a location he called his “dream spot” .

Community Impact
Kevin ran the establishment until his retirement in December 2014, when he passed ownership to Duane Koch and Jason Troxell, ensuring its legacy continued unchanged. Kevin’s impact extended beyond his businesses. His 20-year tenure in banking with United Penn Bank and Wyoming National Bank showcased his versatility and work ethic. Known for his commitment to local business, Kevin was a familiar face at community events, often supporting small enterprises and fostering a sense of camaraderie in Kingston .

Personal Life and Legacy
A devoted family man, Kevin’s love for his loved ones was boundless. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, and is survived by his daughter, Miriam, her husband, Nick, of Bear Creek; his son, John, and his wife, Mary Jo, of Hanover Township; and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Jack Kapelan, and Isabella Boylan, who were the joys of his life .

Family and Friends Remember Kevin
His siblings—Gene and Mary Boylan of Kingston, Ann Boylan of Kingston, Mary Beth Boylan and Rose Bachman of Pittsburgh, Patricia and Kathleen Boylan of Wilkes-Barre, Erin and Paul Walker of Moscow, and Brian and Kristine Boylan of Harvey’s Lake—along with nieces and nephews, mourn his loss. Posts on X reflect the community’s sentiment, with one friend noting, “Everybody should be as lucky as we all were to have a friend like Kevin Boylan,” crediting him for their move to Sarasota, where he spent his final days .

Funeral Arrangements
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin, with details to be announced through Corcoran Funeral Home in Plains. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local small business support organization or a charity of choice in Kevin’s name, honoring his legacy of community involvement .