Avon Obituary: Edward Doyle, 95

Edward Doyle, 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. He was the loving husband of Lois McKaig Doyle for 74 years.

The son of Joseph and Julia (Moran) Doyle, Ed was born September 7, 1920 in Pine Bush, NY and grew up on the family farm. He attended RPI studying mechanical engineering. Prior to the war, he worked at Pratt and Whitney. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Army serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. After the war, he was employed for 45 years at M.H. Rhodes serving first as Chief Engineer, later as Vice-President and finally as President of the company. While employed at Rhodes, he filed and received many patents.

Ed was a great believer in public service. After moving to Avon in 1954, he served as a Selectman, First Selectman, Town Treasurer and chairman of the Sewer Commission. He served on numerous building committees including; Avon High School, Avon Middle School, Roaring Brook and Pine Grove Schools, the Library and Town Hall. Ed helped establish many parks and open spaces in Avon including Countryside Park and Fisher Meadows Rec. Area. An avid golfer, he served as President of the Golf Club of Avon.

Ed was a pleasant guy to be with. He was assiduously honest, endlessly curious, cheerful and funny. He loved the outdoors, hunting, hiking, cutting wood, growing things and passed this on to his children, grandchildren and a large circle of friends.

In addition to his devoted wife, he is survived by his children, Brian Doyle and his wife Marlene of Amherst, MA and Nancy Linton and her husband Jeffrey of New Hartford; grandsons, Joshua and his wife Tara, Andrew and his wife Megan and Patrick and his wife Lindsay; great grandchildren, Charlie, Patrick, Sam, James, Will, Anna, Maura and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Doyle and two sisters, Julia DeVita and Mary Besio.

Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001.

Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at www.montano-shea.com.