Thomas Robert Doyle, 84 of Valley Lee, MD, beloved husband, father and brother, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at his home.

Born March 31, 1926 in New York, NY, Mr. Doyle was part of the "Greatest Generation." He proudly served his country in multiple military capacities. It was with the Merchant Marines that he first sailed on the iron-hulled training ship, the Joseph Conrad fueling his lifelong love of sailing ships.

Leaving the Merchant Marines at a young age, he subsequently entered the United States Navy where he served from 1944 until 1946. Mr. Doyle was especially proud of his service with the Underwater Demolition Team #27. After the end of World War II, "Tommie", as his friends called him moved to Washington, DC where he joined the Metropolitan Police Force and served from 1949 until 1967. Also during the same time span, he served with the United States Army Reserve until retiring in 1986 as a Chief Warrant Officer. One of the jobs he loved doing for the army was captaining its second largest ship, the "790" out of Curtis Bay in Baltimore. Additionally, he was active with the United States Coast Guard, and the Marine Reserve. Tom Doyle was always a proud American who loved his country and looked for ways to serve right up until the day he left this earth.

After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, our dad at the ripe age of 74, found himself requested to serve on patrol at the mouth of the Potomac along with other Coast Guard Auxiliary members on his personal vessel, his beloved Elsie D, named for our mom. For our dad, this call to duty was proof that old soldiers (or sailors!) never die and that age does not diminish competence.

A move to St. Mary's county in 1973 found our "Pop" working for the Lundeberg School of Seamanship and Navigation. During this time he was thrilled to sail the schooner, James Cook, carrying the governor of New York in the parade of the Tall Ships in New York Harbor for the 1976 Bicentennial. A greater dream, however was soon to be realized when in 1978, our beloved dad secured his dream job as master of the sailing ship the Maryland Dove, a 17th century replica of one of the ships that carried settlers to Maryland. It was noted in the Baltimore Evening Sun on October 6, 1978 the day of the Dove's maiden voyage, that Master Doyle was heard to shout triumphantly as the ship responded gallantly to a stirring wind, "We're under sail, set our course southwest!" For a man raised in the tenements of depression era New York City, what an amazing moment to captain the wooden sailing ship of a young man's dreams. That is the very thing that Tom Doyle loved about his life - that perseverance, love of country, a dream and an Irish sense of humor would take you wherever you needed to go in life. What a ride knowing our dad has been. He loved his family, enjoyed every person he met, loved his Episcopalian faith, loved a good joke, a cold beer and appreciated a pretty woman. Pop loved his country and served her well. We cherished him and he will be missed by us, his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sister and many, many amazing friends. Eighty-four years with Thomas Doyle was not enough. Our memories will honor him always.

Family will receive friends for Thomas' Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.