Obituary of John C. Doyle

78, School Board Member, Community Servant. April 13, 1945 – May 25, 2023 John Doyle spent a lifetime of serving his country and the Western New York Community. Upon his graduation from South Park High School, John joined the United States Air Force in 1964 and was deployed to Vietnam the following year where he served honorably and with distinction. Upon leaving the service in 1968 he and his brother Frank joined the Buffalo Police Department. John was assigned to Precinct 3, Tactical Patrol Unit, and the Underwater Recovery Team. During his time with the police department, he took advantage of the GI Bill and earning an Associate Degree, Bachelorette of Science, and Bachelorette of Art Degrees. He became certified as a teacher. He did teach as a temporary teacher for a short while in the Buffalo Public Schools. John left the police department in 1978 to become part of Jimmy Griffin’s Administration as the Director for the Buffalo Division for Youth. During his tenure at the division for youth he began the Lighted School House Program allowing underserved youth to go to their local schools in the evening and play sports and a variety of other activities that would lead to them becoming successful adults. John also championed the Superstars competition which allowed children with special needs to participate in athletic events. Both programs incorporated Buffalo Police Officers to participate in building rapport with the youth. John received numerous awards during his tenure of serving the people of Buffalo and Erie County including recognition from the First Ward South Buffalo Democratic Association “Man of The Year Award” in 1985. In 1989 John won the At Large Seat on the Buffalo School Board and was reelected to that position in 1994. John championed the needs of the children in his time on the school board. In 1999 he Joined the Gorski Administration as Erie County Director of Purchase until his retirement. John was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion Troop I Post. John retired to Largo Florida where he passed away from complications of Agent Orange. John is survived by his wife Deborah (Dougherty) of 23 years, Son John Doyle of Maine, Daughter Tamara Larson of Wilson, NY, Brother Francis (Jean)Doyle, Sister Patricia (late Walter) Preston, Susan Doyle (Dic Labin), brother Richard (Gina) Doyle. John’s Parents Francis G. Doyle Sr and Elizabeth A. Doyle (Cannan) brother Robert and sister Mary (George) Baskerville predeceased him. Private services will be held at a later date.