Robert Bud Doyle

Robert “Bud” Andrew Doyle, 90, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017. Bud was born on November 19, 1926, in Chicago, IL and always said he was the "luckiest baby in the world” to be adopted by Andrew and Irene Doyle, along with his sister Margaret “Peggy” Doyle.

He leaves his wife of 67 years, Marilyn (Waling) Doyle; his 6 children, Andrew (Karen) Doyle, Katherine Lackey, Susan (Paul) Nickel, Timothy (Julie) Doyle, David (Vicki) Doyle, and Ann (George) Licari. He was known as “Papa” to 11 grandchildren, Kristin (Chance) Wimberly, Laura Nickel, Anne (Martin) Koutsky, Serena (Hunter) Sheetz, Lindsay Doyle, Sarah Doyle, Benjamin (Monica) Nickel, Brian (Rachel) Doyle, Tara Doyle, Joseph Licari and Andrew Licari; 3 great-grandchildren Ashlyn Wimberly, Ava Lualhati and Paxton Wimberly. His family was the focus of his life and he showered them with love, advice, encouragement and entertaining stories.

Bud grew up in Rockford, attending St. Peter’s grade school and West High School. After graduation, he served in the Navy Air Corp as an airman during WWII and became a master of Morse code. He attended and graduated from Marquette University where he met Marilyn Waling. After their wedding, they moved to Rockford to raise their family and establish himself in the local real estate market. Bud earned his Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM) designation in Chicago, and was one of 300 CCIMs in the country.

He started his own residential and commercial real estate firm of Doyle & Associates in 1956. Over the years, his real estate expertise and reputation enabled him to receive many recognitions in his field. He took pride in his work and truly relished the friendships he made during his career.

Bud’s love of Rockford was evident through his community involvement which included leadership roles for American Bank, AMCORE Financial, United Way, Rotary Club, Boylan High School Foundation, Rockford Drop Forge, Rockford Board of Realtors and St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Bud was a man of outstanding character who always gave a helping hand and rooted for the “underdog”. He touched many lives with his unique humor, sincere kindness and relentless optimism. One friend expressed, "Bud was the most curious enlightened soul who always had something to teach in the most joyous manner”. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

A special thanks to the outstanding employees at Bickford Senior Living and Jennifer Rambsy from Northern Illinois Hospice for their dedication and compassion.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. A funeral mass will be officiated by Father David Beauvais at 11 a.m on January 13, 2017, with a brief visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Association or Northern Illinois Hospice.