EAST MEREDITH – Edward John Doyle, 70, passed away Friday, October 5, 2007 at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease).

He was born April 6, 1937 in Brooklyn, the son of Edmond John and Bertha Theresa Doyle.

Edward was a United State Army veteran. After the Army, he worked for the American Can Company in Brooklyn. Ed then attended cosmetology school and began working for several salons, in 1972 opening "Love Story" unisex hair salon in Mineola, Long Island. In 1976 he followed his dreams to Oneonta and opened "Measurer for Measurer" hair salon in Oneonta which has been in operation for over 31 years.

Ed has a special love for his home in East Meredith, its people and surrounding beauty, knowing there was no better place to live. Ed was previously married and had two children, Steven and Tina. In 1988 he met the love of his life, Elena Ghianda-Jill, who had five children of her own, and married on February 25, 1990 at the family home. Together they started a whole sale bakery. With the "Sweet Indulgency" storefront opening on Chestnut Street, they soon expanded their business onto Main Street in 1995 and also opened the "Tuscan Market" in 1998.

Ed was heartbroken when the Brooklyn Dodgers left Ebbits Field for someplace west. He was an accomplished boxer and high diver. He enjoyed skiing and horses and riding them. He loved to listen to Mario Lanza and Andrea Bocelli. His interests were woodworking, playing poker and when it was time to relax, he loved a glass of scotch and a good cigar.

He is survived by his wife, Elena Doyle of East Meredith; his children, Steven Doyle of Oneonta, Tina and Jim Doyle of Long Island, Lisa and Mark Bezdany of North Carolina, Matthew and Maria Jill of Rhode Island, Jennifer Jill of Rhode Island, and Brendan Jill of Brooklyn; grandchildren, Jessica, James, Dylan, Holly and Kaylee; a sister, Kathleen and Richard Markowski of Florida, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Andrew Scott Jill and a brother, Thomas Doyle.

Because of Ed's unique nature, throughout his illness he was surrounded by his family and friends who would do anything for him. The family would like to thank all those that were there for him. A special thank you goes out to the volunteers of the East Meredith Fire Department, the caring staff of Hospice, the loving care he received at A.O. Fox Nursing Home and especially his friend to the end, Richie Doyle.

Calling hours will be held 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2007 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oneonta, with the Rev. Joseh Benintende, as celebrant. Interment will follow at the East Meredith Cemetery.

In honor of Ed, enjoy the beautiful ride through the countryside he loved and admired so much. A special thank you to Father Rosson for going above and beyond in our time of need.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, East Meredith Fire Department, PO Box 65, East Meredith, NY 13757, Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Brichwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820.

On line condolences may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.