Judy (DeGrappo) Boyko

63 Bridlewood Lane

Vernon CT 06066

jboyko61@gmail.com

Let me start right from the beginning: Roosevelt School, Maynard Junior High School, and Maynard High School, class of 1961. When Brand-Rex moved to Connecticut in late 1962, I agreed to temporarily join them to transition my work responsibilities: it turned into a permanent supervisory position. Shortly after, I met Mike Tepley, married him, and Maynard became my destination to visit family and friends. That will be 48 years in 2011. We have two sons, Michael Jr. and Robert — my proudest accomplishments. They have given me five wonderful grandchildren ranging in ages from 10 to 18. My oldest granddaughter is a freshman at Penn State — Yikes!

Mike Tepley and I are good friends, but after 26 years and our sons’ marriages, we divorced. A year later, Andy Boyko came into my life and the rest, as they say, is history. I feel blessed that Andy and I found each other later in life; we’ve been together for 19 years. Along with Andy came two stepsons, Kevin and Mark — no grandchildren.

We are avid University of Connecticut (UCONN) sports fans, especially football and women’s basketball. We’ve been to three women’s basketball Final Fours. And in 2010, we traveled to Michigan, or as they call it, “The Big House” for a UCONN vs. Michigan football game. The score was not great but the experience, priceless. Of course, it’s Andy’s dream to go to a Penn State football game.

For the most part, I was a stay-at-home mom and then only worked the hours my boys were in school. I worked seven years as a grade school librarian. Then I did some temporary work and ultimately landed at CIGNA. In 2008, after 20 years and an immeasurable amount of stress, I retired. I swear as I left the CIGNA building I could hear the 1960—61 MHS Glee Club singing a resounding rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Andy and I have traveled the U.S.A. because my son Michael was in the Air Force; he retired as a Colonel in 2009. Our favorite destination is Las Vegas! It’s an exhilarating atmosphere even for mini-gamblers. We haven’t visited Europe yet, as Andy’s reluctant after 9/11.

And now I find myself anticipating my 50^th high school reunion. There is such a contrast in emotions; seems like yesterday and at the same time it seems like a million years ago!

Getting our entire family in one place is difficult so I’ve got a myriad of family photos attached. One of my daughter’s in law is missing but she is part of our family.