Edward L. Doyle Jr. Had Great Love for Outdoors

Edward L. Doyle Jr. died early Tuesday morning, Nov. 25, at the Harbor House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hingham. He was a devoted father, active community member and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Edward died at the age of 93. Born in West Roxbury, he attended Boston Latin School and was graduated from Holy Cross University in 1933. He found love twice in his life, marrying the late May (Faunce) in 1938 and the late Jean (Pendoley) in 1965.

Most of Ed's career was spent in the insurance industry. His first retirement was in 1975, from the Loyal Protective Life Insurance Company in Boston, where he served as executive vice president of marketing. Later in life he worked with the Wollaston Credit Union, Braintree Visiting Nurses and Williams Coal and Oil. He fully retired at the age of 85.

Ed had a lifelong love for the outdoors and his community. Throughout his life, he was active in the town of Braintree, serving as a town meeting member for many years, a member of the finance committee and on the high school building committee. Perhaps his most cherished commitments were to the St. Clare's Parish and the Braintree Rotary Club. In 1987 they awarded him the Paul Harris Award for Service. Mr. Doyle served as an usher, lector and founding member of the Mr. & Mrs. Club at the Parish. During his years at the Harbor House, he served as the president of the residents association. In 2002, he assisted with the submission of a state grant to purchase a computer and provide internet access to the residents of Harbor House.

When he was not serving his community, Ed enjoyed gardening and was particularly proud of his roses. He loved to spend time on the Vineyard with his grandchildren. He was a frequent visitor in Chilmark and enjoyed all the Island had to offer. He sailed aboard the schooner Shenandoah several times, most recently at the age of 85. He followed the news of the Vineyard closely from his home, always interested in Island events.

Edward L. Doyle Jr. is survived by a son, Edward, and his wife, Frances (MacQuarrie), of Dorchester; three daughters, Virginia Blodgett and husband Everett of Reading, Sarah Doyle and husband Bret Stearns of Chilmark, and Mary Anne Doyle of Weymouth, and six grandchildren, Daniel Blodgett and his wife, Kimmie, of Belmont, Kert Blodgett of Maryland, Mark Blodgett of Edgartown, Jeffrey Smith and Ava and Graham Stearns of Chilmark.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Clare's in Braintree on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be sent to the activities fund, Harbor House Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, 11 Condito Road, Hingham, MA 02043.