Edward F. Doyle Jr., 79, of Whitman, Massachusetts, a beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, and lifelong educator, passed away on August 15, 2026, at the Pat Roche Hospice Home following a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Ed was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 30, 1947, and grew up in Dorchester, the son of Anna and Edward Doyle. He attended Boston College High School and continued his education at Fitchburg Teachers College and Boston University.

A gifted and deeply dedicated educator, Ed was inspired to pursue a career in special education by his brother, Jimmy, who had Down syndrome. Ed began his career teaching deaf children at Blue Hills Regional Technical School. What began as a profession became one of the great callings of his life. He remained at Blue Hills for an extraordinary 52 years, continuing his work in the special education department and dedicating his career to supporting students of all abilities. Ed was a champion of all types of learners and had an exceptional ability to connect with people, recognize their strengths, and make them feel valued.

Brilliant, charismatic, and endlessly witty, Ed spoke five languages and rarely missed an opportunity to tell a joke or strike up a conversation. He genuinely loved people and seemed to find a connection wherever he went. He was equally happy sharing his knowledge with a student, talking with a stranger, or sitting down with a Budweiser to watch the Red Sox or Patriots.

Above all else, Ed was a family man. While attending Fitchburg Teachers College, he met Leslie and was immediately struck by her beauty—a feeling that never faded. He married the love of his life, and together Ed and Leslie shared 54 years of marriage, building a life centered around their children, grandchildren, traditions, laughter, and adventure. He could often be found on the sidelines of his children's sporting events, on the golf course, or enjoying ice cream from Peaceful Meadows. He was especially proud of his connection to Ridder Country Club, where he worked and where, over the years, each of his three children also held part-time jobs growing up.

Travel was another great joy of Ed's life. He and Leslie shared an incredible sense of adventure, taking more than 40 cruises together. Some of his most treasured family memories, however, came from returning year after year to Camp Wulamat, where generations gathered, traditions continued, and time together as a family remained at the center of everything.

Ed was the loving father of the late Jennifer Astuto and her husband, Mike; Mark Doyle and his wife, Jeanine; and Laura Preisser and her husband, Andrew. He was the immensely proud grandfather of Brooke, Morgan, Margot, Henry, Anderson, Elle, and Josephine. His greatest legacy lives not only in his family, whom he loved deeply, but also in the countless students whose lives were shaped by his patience, humor, intelligence, and unwavering belief in their potential.

Ed will be remembered for his remarkable mind, his quick wit, his gift for conversation, his devotion to education, and his ability to make people laugh. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who loved his family fiercely and built a life filled with people, traditions, stories, and connection.

The family will hold private services in September. Details regarding a scholarship to be established in Ed's honor will be announced at a later date.