Obituary of John Bosco Doyle

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Bosco (Sean) Doyle, born on February 17, 1935 in Dublin, Ireland, the year after the canonization of his patron saint, John Bosco. He is predeceased by his father James, mother Margaret (nee Farrell), sisters Kathleen (McEwen), Maureen (O’Neill), Bridget (McEwen), Noreen (Murphy), brothers Patrick, Michael, and Seamus. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-one years, Philomena, sons Michael, Patrick (Kelly), Philip (Cheryl), daughter Caroline (Brian), grandchildren Mary and Brendan and will forever remain in the hearts of his extended family and friends. At the age of 7, his family moved from Dublin to Bray, following the death of his mother and where he spent his childhood climbing Bray Head, playing rugby and soccer, enjoying the views along the Strand. He attended Presentation College, followed by a carpentry apprenticeship where he developed his strong work ethic and fine craftsmanship.In 1956, at the age of 21, reunited with his sisters Noreen and Brigid, and brother Seamus who had made the crossing over the Atlantic for a new life of opportunity in North America. Soon after arriving in Toronto, he met Philomena and after a lovely courtship, in 1959, the two were married. They moved for a short time to Cleveland, Ohio close to his sister Brigid, and where they made a number of lifelong friendships. Later that year, they welcomed Michael, five years later, Caroline, followed by Patrick two years later and the baby of the family, Philip, 8 years later. Both were dutiful and loving parents, encouraging their hobbies, passions and building a beautiful life in Scarborough and since 1974 in Markham. They continued close friendships through frequent social events, dances and parties. Sean worked at a number of lumber yards in Cleveland and in Toronto before opening up his own thriving carpentry and contracting business for 25 years, employing many over the years. He then worked part-time at Lansing, enjoying chatting and helping contractors and the public and was always quick with a smile. Even in retirement, he could never sit still for long, working on gardening and woodworking projects, transforming his basement into a fully living space with fireplaces and custom built-ins,, and always helping his children with renovations, repainting the walls and laying down hardwood floor. At the St. Patrick Parish church community, he organized many St. Patrick’s Day dances, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and was elected Grand Knight in the 1980s, A devoted, kind, generous and loving father and husband, Sean was a born storyteller, and always had a dog (usually a Glen of Imaal Terrier) by his side or on his lap, and loved regaling friends and family with tales of his life in Ireland, and in particular of his beloved Bray. Heavenly Father, Blessed Mother Mary, we thank you for the years that you allowed us to share with Sean. Although his gentle spirit will be missed, our hearts are comforted knowing he has joined You in Heaven, with his siblings, parents, dogs, and extended family. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Frederic Ozanam Parish or Alzheimer's Society of York region.