DOYLE, Philip Doyle

From the start, his life would be one defined by devotion to family, community, hard work, laughter, and service.

Family was always at the top of Phil’s priority list. He met the love of his life, Christine (Lauzon), while in Florida on a trip with friends, and what followed was 50+ years of unwavering love, partnership, and dedication to a family that grew in both size and closeness. Phil was a proud and cherished father to Mark (Karen) Doyle, Peter Doyle, and Sandra (Ryan) Deters, who were always in his thoughts and at the heart of his actions.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Catherine (McArthur) Doyle, and more recently by his dear sister Helen McDonell. Phil was the only son in a family of six and leaves behind sisters Sister Mary Catherine Doyle C.S.J. (Toronto), Patricia & the late George Knafelc (Ridgeville), Margaret & the late Robert McGarrigle (Thorold), Jane & the late Al Blanchard (Perth, Australia), and brother-in-law Bernie McDonell (Merritton). He will also be deeply missed by his extended in-laws Max Klutka & the late Marie Moffett (Lauzon), Jocelyne Lauzon, Paul Lauzon & Rose MacPhee, and Jeannie Lauzon & Kevin Herring.

A treasured Grandpa, Phil adored his five grandchildren, Liam, Hilary, Elliot, Daniel, and Colin, who knew him for his booming laugh, his dessert suggestions, his sweet stash of ice cream or treats, and his complete devotion. With numerous beloved nieces and nephews, Phil was at the heart of many family gathering, where he could be found joking, handing out treats, and often, joyfully wrestling on the floor with the kids.

Phil was a loyal and cherished friend to many, including Arch & Rina MacDonell, Dominic Senese, Randy & Sue Harmes, Penny & Al Bannister, and Brad & Rita French.

A worker at heart, Phil’s early years included school and sports in Merritton. He attended Denis Morris High School and Merritton High. His career was defined by sales, transportation, and an undeniable work ethic, long tied to ice cream, from scooping at Foster’s on Queenston Street to working with Stoney Creek Dairies, Neilson’s, and Chapman’s. Later, he found fulfillment in newspaper distribution, where his love of movement and service continued.

Phil’s community spirit led him to years of volunteer leadership with the Thorold Amateur Athletic Association and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, where he coached, mentored, and championed values of teamwork, resilience, and heart.

A man who navigated life at full speed, Phil faced heart attacks, strokes, and health challenges with determination and grace. He spent his final three years in the compassionate care of Royal Rose Place in Welland, where staff knew him fondly as “Mr. D”, the man who always offered candy and a smile, before a word was spoken.

A devoted Catholic, Phil was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church (Merritton), married at St. Kevin’s Church (Welland), and will be welcomed home through Holy Rosary Church (Thorold).

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Welland Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre on Thursday, November 13th from 6-8pm.  A funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church on Friday, November 14th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario are appreciated.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Philip Doyle, please visit our Tree Store