William James Doyle
SARATOGA SPRINGS — William James Doyle, 87, of Woodlawn Commons and formerly of Jackson Street, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born Nov. 27, 1925, in Watertown, he was the son of the late Patrick H. and Irene Sullivan Doyle. He attended Watertown schools and graduated in June 1943.
He was scheduled to attend The Crane School of Music in Potsdam when he was drafted into the U. S. Navy during World War II. He served in both the European and Pacific theaters and, following 2-1/2 years in the Navy, he attended Watertown Collegiate Center and St. Lawrence University in Canton.
William married the former Betty Root May 13, 1950, and they were married for more than 62 years.
He worked for the New York State Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Office for 40 years and served at offices in Watertown, Herkimer, Albany, Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls and was manager of the Saratoga and Glens Falls offices when he retired. He also worked a second job at the Saratoga Raceway Admissions Office for 19 years.
A past officer of VFW Post 1400 in Watertown, he was in charge of their burial unit for returning deceased veterans in Watertown.
Music was his passion and he loved playing the piano while his family gathered around to sing. He played the violin from the age of 5 and his family loved hearing him play “Ave Maria” at Christmas. He was a member of the Racing City Chorus in Saratoga Springs and sang in his own quartet.
William was active in the community and served as president of the Caroline Street School PTA for many years. He later became president of the city-wide PTA council. He loved playing Santa Claus at Caroline Street School while his children attended school there. A golfer and member of the Brookhaven Golf Club, he loved playing golf with his sons-in-law, Mike and Jim.
A member and communicant of St. Peter’s Church in Saratoga Springs, he served as an usher at the 7:30 a.m. Mass for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Daniel Doyle, who died two months ago.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Betty (Root) Doyle; three daughters, Mary (Michael) Biffer of Saratoga Springs, Sandra ( Jim) Peters of Schuylerville, and Margaret (Paul) Haley of Jericho, Vt.; one son, Michael (Vicki) Doyle of Rochester; one sister-in-law, Beverly Doyle; 12 grandchildren, Maria ( Nick) Barkley, Melissa Biffer, George Biffer, James Peters, Jaclyn ( David) Dobert, Kelly Peters, Patrick Doyle, Bridget Doyle, Michelle ( Owen) Jacobs, Jennifer Haley, Mathew Haley and George Haley; and two great-grandchildren, Aurora Dobert and Andrew Dobert.
Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p. m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at the Burke/ Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway (584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, by the Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery on West Avenue.
Memorials may be made in his name to The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.