David F. Doyle

David (Dave) Francis Doyle, 79, peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord on December 13, 2025, at Hospice in Branford, Connecticut with his beloved wife of 51 years at his side. Born on June 29, 1946, in Milford, Connecticut, Dave was proud to claim that he was a life-long resident of Milford.

Dave retired in 1987 from the State of Connecticut where he worked for the Labor Department as a Lead Interviewer and Veteran's Employment Representative. After his retirement, he enjoyed substitute teaching in Milford high schools where he became a favorite among the students. Dave also was a member of the United States Army and served in Viet Nam from September 1969 through September 1970. In 1981, he joined the Army Reserves where he held the position of Company Commander. While in the Reserves, Dave received a Direct Commission and retired as a Captain.

Dave attended Central Grammar School (the "Yellow Building") and graduated in 1965 from Milford High School. He went on to attend Southwood Junior College in Salemburg, North Carolina where he earned an Associate Degree in History. After his military service, he was a Lobbyist in Hartford and was proud that he was instrumental in helping to establish the Vietnam Era GI Bill, which granted tuition waivers to those who served on active duty after November 1955 and prior to January 1977. This waiver allowed Dave to attend Southern Connecticut State University tuition-free, and he earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and a Master of Science Degree in Social Science.

Dave is survived by the love of his life, Eileen (Russo) Doyle. He is also survived by his sons Timothy R. Doyle (Stephanie Madonna) of Wallingford and Brian D. Doyle (Lindsay Darling) of Milford, grandchildren Julia, Annmarie, and David of Wallingford and Aila and Ronan of Milford. Survivors also include his brother, Peter C. Doyle of Wallingford, five nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews, and his sisters-in-law, Susanne S. Doyle and Andrea L. Russo. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Francis F. and Bertha C. Doyle, his brother, William F. (Bill) Doyle, his sister-in-law, Tamara Zoss, and his in-laws, Ralph J. and Phyllis P. Russo.

Dave was a man with many interests and hobbies. He was a true patriot and a Military buff. He collected Military Medals and Military History books and could answer military Jeopardy and trivia questions without hesitation. Dave also loved trains, cog railways, and HO model trains, and he enjoyed participating in the Railroad Club at the Milford Senior Center. Having minored in Geography, Dave loved traveling with Eileen, his favorite traveling companion, and no trip was taken without a map in hand. He had a full-size filing cabinet filled with maps, although he eventually learned to trust his GPS – but still took along a map "just in case." Dave was always happy to talk about his travels, which included trips to Europe, Australia, Alaska, and Aruba, to name only a few. Dave was also an avid golfer having played on his high school golf team. Later in life, he enjoyed golf outings with Foran High School retired teachers and friends. As enjoyable as these hobbies were, Dave's true passion was spending time with his five precious grandchildren. In addition to playing games and taking walks, the honey buns loved climbing up on Grandpa's lap, and he would take them on all kinds of adventures through his laptop.

Dave took pride in serving his community, as well. When his sons were young, he coached a youth soccer team, scored for several baseball teams, and attended every sporting event his sons participated in whether it was baseball, basketball, football, or track. He served as an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 12, worked on numerous Eagle Scout projects and was proud that both of his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He also was an active member of Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church where he served on several committees including the Staff Parish Committee, Trustees, Worship Committee as an Usher, Clean Up Committee for the Community Dinners, and Food Coordinator for the Fair on the Green.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Calling Hours on Friday, December 19. 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. People are also welcome to attend a funeral service on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 176 Broad Street, Milford. For those unable to attend the church service, you may view the live stream by visiting the Mary Taylor Memorial UMC website at https://mtm-umc.org , scrolling down and clicking on the words, "Or Join Us Online."

We wish to thank the team at the Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Derby, and the doctors, nurses, and aides at Connecticut Hospice in Branford for their compassionate, competent care for Dave.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double-Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.