Obituary: ​John Richard "Dick" Doyle, 87, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

John Richard "Dick" Doyle, age 87, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 30, 2016. He was born in New Haven on June 12, 1929 and was the son of the late James and Mary Devlin Doyle of West Haven. He was a resident of Branford for 62 years.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Hinchey Doyle, his children John R. (Betsy) Doyle Jr. of San Francisco, CA. Elizabeth (John) Cristiano of Soldotna, AK. Melissa Doyle of Boston, MA, and Mary (Jim) Donovan of Wallingford, CT, and his grandchildren, Elizabeth(Zac)Lloyd, Carrick Cristiano, Hannah Cristiano, and Ava Donovan.

He leaves a sister Eileen Kelleher of Roslindale MA. He was predeceased by his siblings Elizabeth Miller, James Doyle, Frances Sheiffele, Mary Hardwick, Regina Dunleavy, Anne Tighe, and William Doyle all of CT.Dick Doyle was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne during the Korean Conflict. After his Honorable Discharge, he went to work as an iron worker & welder. He worked for Ironworker Local 424 until his retirement.

A strong Union man, the touch of his hands is on many buildings and bridges all over Connecticut and New York. He was an avid hiker, hunter & fisherman. When President Kennedy called on Americans to keep fit and suggested a 50 mile hike, Dick rose to the challenge and walked the Boston Post Road from Branford to Old Saybrook and back to New Haven, accomplishing the goal.He loved to watch birds and observe nature.

There is not a trail or dirt road around Branford and the surrounding area he has not travelled. Whether in the woods, through a swamp or, on the shore, he loved to take the kids on walks and teach them about nature.

He will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral from the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, Wednesday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Therese Church, Branford, at 10:00. Visiting hours will be Tuesday evening from 4-7 pm. Burial will be private.