Francis X. Doyle

francis doyle
Francis X. (Frank) Doyle passed away peacefully at his residence in Ashburn, VA on Saturday, September 10 after a brief illness. He leaves an amazing legacy of love, service, and family, and a life truly well-lived. He waited patiently and will now join his beloved wife of 55 years, Carole, in everlasting life in heaven.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 13, 1933, he attended Brooklyn Prep and the College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1955, and later earned a master’s degree from Hofstra University and a law degree from St. John’s University.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses (although he would say by his eight children), Kevin and Jacquie, Brian and Kara, Nancy and Scott, and Claire and Steve, and by 11 grandchildren (Connor, Brady, Keely, Brendan, Callie, Josh, Lauren, Stephen, Collin, Caroline, and Kendall) and one great-grandchild (Teddy).

In over five decades of marriage, Frank and Carole enjoyed many trips and cruises, which continued well into retirement, as well as visiting friends and family across the country. They took each grandchild on an “adventure” to have special time with each, remembered with great affection by all.

Frank was always active in his church, particularly his home parish of St. Mark in Vienna, where he served in a number of roles, most notably as Parish Council President and as a lector for many years. He often spoke of “our brother Jesus,” and his faith was an inspiration to many. He and Carole were very involved in Teams of Our Lady, and shared deep memories of fellowship with the members of their team.

Serving his country as a U.S. Marine was another significant part of his life, and he was fond of the Marine Corps Hymn, as well as classical music, the Brooklyn Dodgers, reading the newspaper (Washington Post), and following whatever sports or activities his children and grandchildren were engaged in.

He had a long career of professional service as well, culminating in his role as Associate General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCC). His varied roles also included time with the National Catholic Development Conference, the Thoroughbred Racing Association, as a special agent with the FBI, and as a high school history teacher, while he was in law school at night.

Frank was most proud of his family, and his legacy will live on through them. He was a constant example of love and caring and was known for asking all those he encountered about their lives and background. Whether they were friends of his children, healthcare professionals treating him, or servers at a restaurant, he would ask where they were from, as well as what and where they studied; if they were from another country, he would attempt to converse in their native language, even if he only knew a word or phrase.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to all of those involved in Frank’s care, particularly his caregiver Yeme Shibru, and the staff at Waltonwood in Ashburn, where he lived for the past two years.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Mark in Vienna, VA on Monday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception, and burial at Flint Hill Cemetery. Viewing/visitation will commence at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Memorial contributions are encouraged to a charity of your choice. For more information, please visit the web site of Money and King funeral home at www.moneyandking.com or Caring Bridge site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/frankdoyle.

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  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  2. My sincere condolences to all the family. Such fond memories of a very special friendship for over forty years. Because of our friendship with Carol and Frank, we joined Teams of Our Lady which gave us wonderful years together as well as a path to developing married spirituality. One of my fondest memories is the cruise we did from Venice to Barcelona in 2005. It’s an understatement to say that Frank loved cruising. You will be missed, my friend!

  3. Frank was my Boss for a while at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was a supporter of my work in Hispanic Ministry and was an amiable and fair supervisor. May the purpetual light shine upon him. Ron Cruz In Burke VA

  4. I met Frank at the Bishops Conference. Whenever I talked to him or consulted him he was always very attentive, thoughtful and kind. I’m sorry to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his beautiful family and friends. Ramon Rodriguez

  5. A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    ###

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

    A Remembrance

    In 1971, Frank and I met riding a seemingly antique elevator at the Massachusetts Avenue headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference. Little did we know what was to unfold for us, personally and professionally, in service to Holy Mother Church and the college of bishops.

    Whereas I had been hired to join the permanent staff of the Campaign for Human Development and remained in that department for the 37 years of my tenure, Frank had joined the Office of Government Liaison. He was subsequently named to positions in other departments, culminating in his appointment as Associate General Secretary in 1984, a post from which he retired in 1995. While I remained with CHD, I grew in responsibilities to Deputy Director and during clergy director vacancies, I served as Interim Director in a direct reporting relationship to Frank. Our already close working partnership deepened enormously.

    Likewise, outside the office environment and in the energy conservation milieu of the time, we began to carpool from our Vienna neighborhood to work headquarters in Washington offering us much quality time to talk and share thoughts, feelings and personal reflections. Frank also caught a few naps along the way, especially during some sleepy. morning commutes!
    Not long after, Frank coined our morning greeting, “Dear Brother.”
    Indeed, we truly were brothers.

    When we last visited at his Ashburn residence, I knocked on his door; he looked up somewhat quizzically. My “Dear Brother” greeting lit up his face, and we connected immediately.

    I love you, Frank,
    and I am grateful for and deeply treasure the gift of your friendship which I will carry into eternity.

    Rest in peace, Dear Brother.
    And rise in glory.

    Your Brother,

    Timothy

  6. Frank was a long time colleague of Walt’s at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was a wonderful and inspiring leader who was very supportive of Walt’s department’s efforts in the field of social justice. He was also very kind and supportive of him personally at a moment of great challenge in his work at the Conference. Anita and Walt knew Carol and Frank and always enjoyed their company at times when our St. Mark prayer group got together and shared great conversations about family and Church. We are grateful to have know Frank. May he rest in peace.

  7. Mr. Doyle was very special to me growing up. In my family there were many challenges, but when I was at the Doyle’s house, it was like a sanctuary to me. A place of love, warmth and laughter.
    One picture with Nancy I recall, taken in their den, I did not even realize, until it got developed, that he had sneakily made a peace sign with his hand, and had given me antennae! He also taught me The Marine Corps Song.
    Frank took the time, and made everyone in his orbit feel special. All of the Doyles are special.
    I’m sad that Francis Xavier Doyle is no longer of this Earth, but so happy to know that a multitude of friends and family, and his beautiful Carole, came running up to him as he drew his first breath in God’s Heavenly Glory! Love, Theresa Corbley Siller

  8. Mr. Doyle was very special to me growing up. In my family there were many challenges, but when I was at the Doyle’s house, it was like a sanctuary to me. A place of love, warmth and laughter.
    One picture with Nancy I recall, taken in their den, I did not even realize, until it got developed, that he had sneakily made a peace sign with his hand, and had given me antennae! He also taught me The Marine Corps Song.
    Frank took the time, and made everyone in his orbit feel special. All of the Doyles are special.
    I’m sad that Francis Xavier Doyle is no longer of this Earth, but so happy to know that a multitude of friends and family, and his beautiful Carole, came running up to him as he drew his first breath in God’s Heavenly Glory! Love, Theresa Corbley Siller

  9. I was unaware of Frank’s passing until an email I sent today bounced back to me, and I researched online with some trepidation.

    Frank was a dear and special person and friend. We first met when we were both concerned about the direction of the Arlington Diocese many years ago (way before Bishop Burbidge), and along with others, met in Frank’s and Carole’s home to draft a letter. We were in touch many times afterwards.

    A few years ago, he began worshiping at the 11:30 Mass at St. John Neumann Community in Reston, and I was thrilled to see him there. We visited many Sundays. At some point during that time he brought and gave to me a beautiful gold award set in a green carrying case that had been presented to him. He said he wanted me to have it. I assume the source is Catholic as it has three images: The Visitation; the birth of Jesus; and Mary riding on a donkey holding baby Jesus with Joseph walking alongside on their way for the census, I assume. It’s engraved “PAX HOMINIBUS BONAE VOLUNTATIS” (“Peace to men of good will.”) The gift is even more appreciated and deeply humbling now.

    Frank’s health has been in my daily prayer for a long time, and I give thanks to God for his presence and example in my life.


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