It's official

As you know, thanks to DNA, I learned two years ago who my birth Father really was and that I had five sisters and two brothers. It was such a shock, but a welcome one! I had found my birth Mother pre-internet 40 years ago through dogged research and sleuthing, but sadly, she had died at 49 (yikes!) the year before I discovered who she had been.

I was told who her boyfriend was at the time and assumed for the next 35 years that he was the father.  But lo and behold, DNA revealed that someone named William Doyle was my genetic father.  As I say, this led to the revelation of five sisters and two brothers; Bill Doyle was one of them.  

My niece, one of his daughters, sent me the obituary, below, and I shocked to see I had been mentioned as one of his sisters too!  When you're adopted, you are not part of the "official" birth family circle, but thanks to Maureen and Nora, I was actually added to the obituary.  Although I never met brother Bill, I am there as a sister.  What an honour and I thank my niece, Kristin, for sending his obit to me.  Here it is:

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My late bother, Bill Doyle II

William "Bill" P. Doyle II, 75, of Watertown, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on September 10, 2025.

Born March 4, 1950, in Potsdam, NY, he was the son of the late William P. Doyle and Mary Keegan Doyle. Bill graduated from Immaculate Heart Central School in 1968 and attended Jefferson Community College before beginning his professional career at Century Housewares, where he advanced through the company to become a district manager. He later retired from WWTI TV 50 as a sales executive, where he was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic.

Bill proudly served in the Army Reserves and was an active member of his community throughout his life. He was a 46-year life member of the Elks Lodge 496, a member of Morning Rotary, and a devoted member of the Watertown Golf Club for more than 30 years. An avid golfer and bowler, Bill also loved cheering for his favorite teams-the Boston Red Sox and the Dallas Cowboys-and never missed an opportunity for a spirited football debate with his son-in-law over the annual Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry game.

After high school, Bill married Christine Clement, and together they shared two daughters: Amy J. (Patrick) Thompson, Woodside, Queens; and Kristin (Scott) Doyle-Edmondson, Concord, MA. He later married Debra Platko in Saginaw, MI, and together they shared a son and a daughter: William P. (Amanda) Doyle III, Massena; and Shannon DeMarco, Watertown. He is also survived by six beloved grandchildren: Skylar, Emily, Aidan, Madelaine, Landon, and Samuel; and two great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Brynlee.

In addition, he is survived by his six sisters: Nancy Marley-Clarke, Cochrane, Alberta; Dr. M. France Doyle, Rochester; Margaret Doyle, Rochester; Eleanor Goldfarb, Rochester; Dr. Nora M. Doyle, San Antonio, TX; and Maureen Doyle, Rochester; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Theodore Michael "Tim" Doyle.

As per his wishes, Bill is donating his body for science. A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on September 23 at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted at Art's Jug in Watertown, where family and friends are invited to gather in his memory.

Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown, and online condolences may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com (http://www.cummingsfuneral.com/). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support a scholarship fund established in Bill's name to: Northern NY Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Bill's warmth, sense of humor, and love of life touched everyone who knew him. He will be remembered for his generosity, his easy laugh, and the countless friendships he nurtured over the years.

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Rest in Peace, brother Bill.