Dr. Matthew Michael Boylan, Jr., D.M.D.
Dr. Matthew Michael Boylan, Jr., D.M.D., known to all as “Mike,” passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 74.
Born on April 13, 1952, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mike was a proud graduate of Union Catholic High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, followed by a master’s degree in zoology from Rutgers University. He then graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 1982.
Inspired to pursue dentistry by his childhood dentist, Dr. Leo Romano, Mike went on to build a distinguished and passionate career serving the Westfield, New Jersey community for 35 years. Following his graduation, he was accepted into Hackensack University Medical Center’s General Residency Program, spending a transformative year expanding his knowledge by treating patients with a broad spectrum of dental conditions.
In 1983, Dr. Boylan opened his private practice. He maintained strong ties with his alma mater, working for five years as a part-time faculty member at the New Jersey Dental School, and additionally served as a part-time instructor in Union County College’s dental hygiene program. In 1986, he was appointed a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He was deeply active in the local dental community, including the local chapter of the American Dental Association and the Central NJ Dental Society, where he served as president from 1999 to 2000. He was known not only for his skilled care, but for the immense warmth, kindness, and dedication he brought to every patient.
In 2007, Mike faced a significant personal health crisis when he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. An oral cancer survivor, he fought a courageous 6-year battle and was successfully treated in 2013 by the cancer specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center. Beyond his professional achievements, Mike was a family man with a great love for sports, in particular golf, as well as Notre Dame college basketball and football. He devoted his spare time to his loved ones and will always be remembered for his sharp humor and vibrant light.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa (‘Terry’) Boylan; his loving children, Eliza Santana (Omar), Peter de la Flor (Lisa), and Andrew de la Flor; his sister, Kathleen Muldoon; and his adored granddaughter, Cecilia de la Flor. He is also survived by his nephews Matthew, Eddie, and Liam; and his nieces Meaghan (John), Katie (Alex), Meghan (Kieran), and Mary Kate. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Matthew and Kathleen Boylan, and his brother, Thomas Boylan.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. Vincent Martyr Church. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. Arrangements were by Madison Memorial Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mike’s memory, P.O. Box 6704. Hagerstown, MD 21741.
