Obituary of Frank Doyle

Francis "Frank" Joseph Doyle died peacefully with family by his side on August 21, 2023, after a short illness which he battled with strength, humility and humour. 

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret (nee Brown) and his parents, Capt. James P. Doyle and Patricia Doyle (nee Curran), as well as brothers Michael, Donal, Peter, Philip and John. 

Survived by his sons Christopher (Karina), Eamonn (Pamela) and Francis (Janine) as well as his brother, Rev. Fr. James Doyle. 

He is a treasured Papa to 14 grandchildren: Clara, Evelyn, Callum, Niall, Caoimhe, Padraig, Ciaran, Cillian, Malachy, Maggie, Thomas, Thérèse, Cecilia and Francis Joseph. 

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland (Dundrum) on October 15, 1944 as the second youngest of seven boys, Frank was generous, witty and humble, with a deep love of his family and local community.  In his youth, Frank was the All Ireland 440 yards champion. Always fascinated by newspapers, Frank worked at the Irish Independent Newspaper before he left for Canada. He emigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1967, and was a fiercely proud Canadian, grateful for the opportunities his adopted home gave his family. 

Frank loved St. Marys, Ontario where he lived with his family for more than 40 years. He is the founder and longtime editor of the St. Marys Independent newspaper, and loved reporting on all the news in town. He was also a three-time town councillor, serving as chair of the police board, and served on the founding committee of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Frank loved sports, especially golf, baseball and the Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as music, and loved to opine on politics.

Frank’s unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith led him to be an active member of Holy Name of Mary Parish throughout his life, including as chair of parish council. 

Frank loved to tell you the latest news, or a great joke, with a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile — often when you least expected it. 

Visitation to be held at Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington Street, S. St. Marys on Sunday, August 27, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. 

Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Monday, August 28 at 11 am at HOLY NAME OF MARY PARISH, Northeast corner of Peel St. N. and Widder St. E. St. Marys,  followed by Interment at St. Marys Cemetery, and reception at the parish hall. 

Click here to view a video of the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated, at Frank’s request: 
 

St. Marys Healthcare Foundation
(50/50 or Building For Tomorrow)
P.O. Box 940 St. Marys,
ON N4X 1B6
Click here for the 50/50 draw page on their site

or Margaret’s Place Hospice
c/o St. Joseph's Villa Foundation 
56 Governors Rd. Dundas, ON  L9H 5G7

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Margaret’s Place for their exceptional care. 

Click here to donate by cheque

Click here to donate by credit card