Obituary of Frederick "Fred" Doyle

Frederick “Fred” Doyle, 77, of Stamford, NY, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, following complications of end-stage Parkinson’s disease.

Fred was born on April 23, 1947, in Oneonta, NY, and raised with his brother and three sisters on his family’s small farm just outside of town. He graduated from Oneonta High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology from Hartwick College and later a master’s degree in science education from SUNY Oneonta. He also pursued doctoral work in school administration at SUNY Albany. After college, Fred served for two years in the Peace Corps, teaching in South Korea—a transformative experience that solidified his lifelong commitment to service and education.

Fred’s career as a 7–12th grade science teacher at Stamford Central School spanned decades and left an indelible impression on generations of students. He was known for his unmistakable passion for teaching, his irreverent sense of humor, his endless array of catchphrases and inside jokes and colorful nicknames for students, and of course his trademark loud ties. He also served as a summer school principal, always bringing the same energy and care to everything he did. After retiring from teaching, Fred continued his scientific pursuits as a water treatment facility chemist.

Outside of work, he remained deeply involved in his community, serving as a village trustee, Boy Scout leader, and tireless supporter of the arts. A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, he gave generously of his time and spirit in many different capacities over the years.

Fred loved the outdoors and was often spotted taking his long daily walks, tending his garden, or doing yard work—fortified by one or five of his notorious cheap cigars. In his later years, he fully embraced his love of travel, exploring the world alongside his beloved wife, Liz, and his siblings. His travels took him to China, Egypt, South America, Europe, and well beyond.

Fred was as wise as he was weird, as selfless as he was stubborn, as down to earth as he was brilliant, as warm and caring as he was funny. He was a great and unique man, an amazing father, and perhaps the world‘s finest grandfather. He lived a humble life of loving service, the kind we should all aspire to. He will be deeply, deeply missed

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Liz McPhail of Stamford, NY; his sisters, Fern Briggs of Davenport, NY, Claudia Marshall of Mesa, AZ, and Heidi (Michael) Clune of Branchville, NJ; his children, Sam (Kirsten) Doyle of Slingerlands, NY, and Sarah Austin of Schenectady, NY; his step-children, Jennifer (Gino) Luchetti of Newton, NJ, and Ryan (Kimberly) McPhail of Canton, GA; his grandsons, Elijah Doyle and Nolan Austin; and his step-grandchildren, Alexis and Luke McPhail. He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, June and Henry Doyle; his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Judy Doyle; his brother-in-law, Lewis “Johnny” Briggs; and dear family friends, Dorothy and Jack Friedmann.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held Saturday April 5th at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main Street Stamford, NY, with a calling hour immediately preceding the service at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Fred’s memory to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 96 Main Street, Stamford, NY 12167.

To watch a video of Fred's celebration of life follow the link below.

FRED DOYLE Celebration of Life