Timothy Doyle

Timothy James Doyle, 75, of Erie, PA, passed away on November 28, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born on December 9, 1946 to Elizabeth “Bette” Seib Doyle and John “Jack” Joseph Doyle in Erie, PA. He graduated from Cathedral Prep High School in 1965.

After attending college for a short time in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Tim enlisted in the Marine Corps. At the age of 21, he deployed to Vietnam and received a life-threatening injury on February 22, 1969, leaving him permanently paralyzed. After an agonizing recovery, he returned to Erie. Long before the ADA, his parents modified their house to make it accessible. Tim married his high school sweetheart, Lucia Pearson Doyle, on June 19, 1971. After living in Denver, CO, for three years so Tim could attend gunsmith school, they returned to Erie in 1977 to raise their children around their families.

A proud Marine for his whole life, Tim was an active member in numerous groups like the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans. Tim and Lucia were actively involved with the creation of the Erie County Vietnam Veterans Memorial and were proud of their involvement with Erie Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 435. His daughters memorized the Marine Corps hymn and marched around the house banging pots and pans while singing it on every Marine Corps birthday, November 10th. Tim was happiest downstairs in his workshop woodworking, or, more commonly, cleaning, fixing, and tinkering with guns of all varieties.

Those who knew Tim knew that the word “can’t” wasn’t in his vocabulary. He adapted his four wheeler in order to widen his access to a variety of outdoor activities. He traveled the country to trap shoots and pheasant hunts. He collected first place trophies from the Pennsylvania State Trap Shoot and Grand American Trap Shoot. He competed in the PVA Wheelchair Games in Puerto Rico, winning trophies in several events, skied the Rockies on a monoski, and whitewater rafted with his family down the Youghiogheny River. He was undoubtedly an inspiration to his family, friends, and all who met him.

Tim will be remembered by many for his advocacy work in Erie for veterans and other folks with mobility issues. A board member of Community Resources for Independence, Tim fought to make the Erie area accessible for the wheelchair community.

Tim is survived by his daughters Katherine Eugenie Doyle of Lakewood, OH and Brita Elizabeth Doyle (wife Jennifer Flynn) of Erie, PA, his brothers Dennis Doyle (wife Deborah) and William Doyle (wife Floria), of Annapolis, MD, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lucia, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before her death in 2021.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Wednesday, December 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at the Cathedral of St. Paul 134 W. 7th Street on Thursday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Community Resources for Independent Living 3410 W. 12th. Street, Erie PA 16505 or to the Erie Vietnam Veterans Association of America Chapter 435 4808 E. Carver Ave, Erie, PA 16511.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com