Michael J. Doyle Sr., 70
Michael J. Doyle Sr., 70, husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor and friend, died on August 16, 2017 at home, surrounded by his family and very much at peace. He was married to his first love and best friend, Kathryn (McGovern) Doyle for 50 years. The couple chose Downingtown to raise their three children: Mollie D. DelVecchio (Mark), Burke, VA; Michael J. Doyle Jr. (Bret), New York, NY; and Katie D. Parsell (Scott), Exton. He was “Granddad” and “GaGa” to six grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew and Hannah DelVecchio, and Owen, Connor and Nora Parsell.
Mike was born on January 24, 1947 in Pottstown, the youngest of seven children born to Margaret and Paul Doyle of Kimberton. He was loved dearly by the late Sister Katherine E. Doyle, SSJ; Mary Alice Doyle; Patricia D. Hunt; Elizabeth D. McClellan; Paul A. Doyle Jr.; and Christopher T. Doyle. A graduate of St. Pius X high school in Pottstown, Mike attended York College and St. Joseph’s University.
There were three absolutes about Mike: first, his work ethic knew no bounds. In his early 20s, he set out on a self-taught career in banking - less because of a professional calling, and more to provide for his family and to establish a strong foundation to raise and educate his children. He adored driving through Chester County and pointing out businesses he helped get started or homes he helped families secure - and he remembered every name involved. Second, he was a man of deep and quiet faith. He and Kathy were members of St. Joseph Parish for 46 years. Third, he was selfless and generous with his time and his talents. He was a long-time member of the Downingtown Rotary Club, held a seat on President’s Council at Immaculata University and served a decade in the US Army Reserves.
Mike battled rheumatoid arthritis for more than twenty years, a disease that compromised his physical strength but never once impacted his optimism or infectious sense of humor. He loved long weekends at the Jersey Shore, watching the Golf Channel and Neil Diamond - but his greatest love was his beloved Kathy. She and the Doyle family will welcome friends and family on Tuesday evening, August 22 from 5 - 8pm at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA. A mass of Christian burial will be held the following morning Wednesday, August 23, at 11am at St. Joseph Church, 460 Manor Avenue, Downingtown. Burial will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown, PA. Memorial donations may be made in Mike’s name to The Paoli Hospital Foundation, 255 W. Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA, 19301. To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.