SACO — Donald Charles Doyle Sr., 95 of Saco, passed away peacefully, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 at home in Ferry Beach.

He was born in Georgetown, Massachusetts on Nov. 24, 1922, the son of the late Arthur and Dorothy Doyle.

Don graduated Kingston High School and attended Northeastern University. Proudly serving his country in the Army Air Force as an aerial gunner in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, he earned the rank of Sergeant. After his discharge from the Air Force, Don eventually settled in Ferry Beach, Saco and owned a Western Auto Parts store on Main Street.

He was elected Mayor of Saco in 1967, dedicating himself to the betterment of the city and it’s residents through his many public service commitments. Mr. Doyle was honored to be the past President of the Saco Business Men’s Association, past President of Biddeford-Saco Community Chest, first Vice President of the Saco-Biddeford Kiwanis Club, a welfare representative of the Salvation Army operations, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as the Exalted Ruler in 1967-1968 of the Biddeford/Saco Elks Post 1597.

He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Dorothy Doyle, and siblings; Richard Doyle, Dorothy Swann, Kathleen Sadlier, Francis Doyle, and Robert Doyle.

Don is survived by his wife of 49 years Joan; and children, Dr. Donald C. Doyle Jr. and wife Christine of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Stephen Doyle and wife Joanne of New Hampshire, Jayne Hitchcock-Poulin and husband Chris of York, Maine, Nancy Diggins and late husband Jim of Weir, New Hampshire, David Doyle and wife Paula Jean of Berwick, Maine, Sharon Picard and husband Conrad of Saco, Maine, and Susie Brown and husband Scott of Dayton, Maine;  sisters Geraldine Langill; sister Patricia Burr; brother Roland (Butch) Doyle; and sister Barbara Hoover. He is survived by his 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

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Always introducing himself as the former mayor of Saco, Don loved his friends and family, enjoyed clamming near his house in Ferry Beach, golfing in his younger years, cheering on his children and grandchildren along in school sports and events and helping others whenever he could. He loved his grandchildren deeply with some of the best memories being spent babysitting, trick or treating, swimming at the beach and enjoying life with a grin on his face. We consider ourselves lucky to have had so many wonderful years with such a devoted, loving, charming and witty husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle.  He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to Veterans Affairs Maine Health Care System, 1 VA Center Augusta, Maine, to Hospice of Southern Maine, Rt. One, Scarborough, Maine. The family would like to thank all of his nurses and caregivers for their care and support for the past few years during our time of need. Donations in Don’s name may also be sent to the Biddeford/Saco Elks Lodge Post #1597, Ocean Park Road, Saco, Maine.

Visiting hours will be 1 to 4 p,m, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco.

To view Donald’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

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