Hugh L. Doyle

Hugh L. Doyle, 80, of Rockford, died Sunday, March 1, 2015 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 14, 1934 in Chicago, the son of Steven and Jeannie Doyle. He graduated from Lindblom High School where he met and later married his loving wife, Doris Ruhl on March 17, 1955. Hugh worked at Midway Airport and Meigs Field as an Air traffic control man and was a supervisor at Chicago O’Hare’s Air Traffic Control Tower and rounded out his career as Chief Air Control man at the Rockford Airport, retiring in 1991. He was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church for 47 years, a part time employee at the NIU Library and took time to volunteer at Holy Family School Library. When it came down to it, he was happy to take on any odd job just to pass his time. Hugh was an aviation enthusiast, who took the time to learn and fly on every aircraft that was available to him. He had a charismatic, kind, gentle way about him, if you saw him, be ready to talk to him, he could always tell the best story and get a bright smile out of anyone he met. His pride and joy was his family, he adored and cherished every moment spent with them. Hugh was a one of a kind man, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Doris and his children wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to OSF Hospice nurses and volunteers and to Father Pierre Polycarpe of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for taking the time to visit every week and get know Hugh.
Survivors include his wife Doris of Rockford; children, Timothy (Lori) Doyle of Rochelle, Linda (Rick) Swansbro of Rockford, Cindy (John) Rungren of Rockford, Debbie (Paul) Green of Rockford, Kevin (Fiancé Kim) Doyle of AZ and Karen (Mike) Leatherby of Rockford; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, sister, Eileen Chauvin of CA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Specialist Alan McPeek; 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Funeral Mass Thursday March 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Interment will be held in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 4- 7 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Memorials in Hugh’s name to: OSF Hospice or OSF St. Anthony Medical Center Pastoral Care Department. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com