Francis Burton Doyle

Francis Burton Doyle died peacefully at home in San Jose on September 15, 2017 of stomach cancer. Beloved husband of Nancy Fahrner Doyle. Loving father of Megan Eileen Doyle (Kevin Iadonato), John Francis Doyle (Laura), and Colleen Doyle Kendrick (Jeffry). Much loved “Papa Bear” of Eleanor Rose and Clare Elizabeth Doyle, Mario Francis Iadonato, and Cora Jane Kendrick. Admired oldest brother of Gerald James Doyle, Richard Doyle, and the late Joseph Charles Doyle. Wise and entertaining uncle to many nieces and nephews. Dear friend and respected colleague of many.

Son of the late Dr. Francis and Eleanor Burton Doyle, Frank was born and raised in San Francisco. He attended St. Anne and St. Stephen schools and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1967. He received a BA in History from Santa Clara University in 1971, a JD from University of San Francisco School of Law, and a LLM in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

The founding partner of WealthPLAN, Frank was an estate and trust attorney whose practice touched the lives of many families and local charities. He was past president of Santa Clara County Estate Planning Council, served on numerous boards of nonprofits including Notre Dame High School. He helped found and grow the SCU Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium. He taught Wills and Trusts at Lincoln Law School for almost 25 years and received its Lifetime Achievement Award last spring.

Frank worked hard, but he led a rich life outside of work, too. He loved to read and write and he honed his craft by taking writing courses at Stanford Continuing Studies. He was interested in history, politics, and social justice and always enjoyed lively conversation with friends and colleagues. He was an avid golfer who frequently woke early to drive up to play at the Olympic Club, where he had been a member for over 50 years. He was famous in his family for a hole-in-one on the 17th hole on the Ocean Course on Mothers’ Day 1993.

Visitation Wednesday September 20 after 5 pm with Vigil service at 7 pm, Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. Funeral Mass Thursday September 21 at 10 am at St. Martin of Tours Church, 200 O’Connor Drive, San Jose.

Frank was a strong supporter of Catholic education, proud that all three of his children graduated from Catholic elementary and high schools and Jesuit universities, just as he had done. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to one of the schools his life touched: Archbishop Riordan High School, Santa Clara University, St. Martin of Tours elementary school, Notre Dame High School San Jose, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School.

Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, Santa Clara, CA.