Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle

Albany, NY-Reverend Kenneth J. Doyle was born peacefully into Eternal Life on October 28, 2022 at Teresian House in Albany, NY. He was 82 years old. He was the proud son of W. Kenneth and Sallie Shea Doyle of Troy, NY. Fr. Doyle graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1957. He began his seminary education at Mater Christi Seminary in Albany, NY and completed it at The Theological College, Catholic University in Washington, D.C.. He was ordained in 1966 by Bishop Edward Maginn. A man of many talents and interests, Fr. Doyle earned his law degree at Albany Law School while serving as Editor of The Evangelist and Chaplain at Academy of the Sacred Heart. He went on to travel with Pope Saint John Paul II, interviewing pontiffs in both English and Italian, acting as Rome’s Bureau Chief of the National Catholic News Service. In addition to a number of other roles, he was a NYS Catholic Conference lobbyist, Director of Media Relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Chancellor of Public Information for the Albany Diocese. He also served on many boards and committees throughout his career including St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of the Whalen Foundation, Inc., and Chair of the Albany International Airport Authority. Fr. Doyle may be remembered more for his role as a humble parish priest than award-winning pillar of his community. Pastor at the Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St Catherine of Siena) in Albany and sacramental minister for St. Thomas the Apostle in Cherry Valley, St. John’s/St. Joseph’s in Rensselaer and St. Mary’s in Clinton Heights, Fr. Doyle celebrated baptisms, weddings, funerals and much more for several thousand families. He advocated for the poor, donated to multiple organizations, and counseled many readers through the “Question Box” published in The Evangelist and other Catholic News publications. Perhaps above all of his varied roles, Fr. Doyle was a faithful friend. He loved his family and treasured his time with them. Aside from his intellect and experience, Fr.Doyle will be remembered for his unmatched sense of humor, infectious laugh, and love of life. Cheering at a Notre Dame game, entertaining friends on the golf course or at the track, or enjoying his favorite meals across the capital region, none who knew him were left without an impression. His family and countless friends, are profoundly grateful to God for the gift of Fr. Ken Doyle; our lives were made better for having known and loved him. He will be missed by all immensely. In addition to his parents, Fr. Doyle is predeceased by his sister Sally Marie Doyle and brother-in-law Robert G. Sochor. He is survived by his sister Mary Ellen Doyle Sochor, his nephew Kenneth J. Sochor (Brooks), his niece Paula Marie Sochor (Mickie), and numerous truly-beloved cousins and friends. The Rite of Reception of the Body will be celebrated in the Parish of Mater Christi, Friday, November 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm. Visitation will then continue until 7:00 pm. Please enter the church from the parking lot entrance. Father Doyle’s Funeral Mass will be concelebrated at the Parish of Mater Christi Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10:00 am. The Mass can be viewed on the Parish home webpage https://www.mcalbany.org/ The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Troy, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reverend Kenneth J. Doyle Retired Priests’ Fund at The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. 40 N. Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. “It is the greatest use of a life to give it for a cause that outlasts it.” ~ William James

Tributes

Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle

April 3, 1940 - October 28, 2022