Mark Robert Doyle, 54, of Virginia Beach was born in West Islip, NY on September 11, 1970 and grew up on Long Island in Lindenhurst, NY. He lived his adult life mostly in Virginia Beach for over 30 years. Mark left us in body on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, but will live on in mind and spirit through his family, friends, and so many people he impacted over the years. His strength, determination, humor, compassion, positivity and love are just a few characteristics that describe a man who lived his life to the fullest.

Mark grew up with strong morals and values and often lived by many lessons taught by his parents, Robert and Karen Doyle. His childhood was full of love and experiences with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He had many great memories growing up with his younger brother, Brian. Christmas gatherings, hanging with Grandpa at the American Legion and family trips with Grandma to Disney and Amish country were fun stories he loved to share. He played stickball in the streets, played the trumpet, and was an altar boy at the Catholic Church. Mark often stopped for hot chocolate at his Uncle Marty’s bakery. Learning to swim with Mom, camping at Cedar Beach, feeling his toes in the sand and navigating the waves on a boogie board with Dad and Brian were some of Mark’s favorite times with his family.

Mark learned to surf around 14 years old. He was one of the founding fathers of The Surf Club at Lindenhurst High School, where he graduated in 1988. He played Lacrosse and excelled in academics. In high school, he met best friend, Mat Zabas, and they were chosen to participate in Mr. P’s trip - Lindenhurst Environmental Field Trip on Fire Island at the Sunken Forest. It was there that Mark first discovered a love for school and teaching. Listening to WLIR radio station was influential in developing his musical taste. “Love My Way”, “I can live and breathe and see the sun in the wintertime” and “Enjoy the Silence” defined this time.

Mark chose Virginia Wesleyan College after seeing in a brochure that it was close to the ocean and he received a partial academic scholarship. He often returned home to work summers at restaurants, the boat yard, the Surf Club, and he also worked security at Radio City Music Hall with his brother. He attended VWC 1988-1992 majoring in business (Liberal Arts Management Program) and won the outstanding business student award. Mark was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and he met a core group of friends, who also loved surfing. “Mark cared deeply for his friends, studied hard, and was the guy we could all count on and keep us grounded. Mark was always the one who’d be something…for himself, for his family, for our world.” “He personally gave me more strength and courage than he’ll ever know”. Trips to surf the outer banks were often with these friends. “Mark never missed a chance to paddle out,” and “charged waves like he did life…full commitment.”

After college, Mark moved to the outer banks in Kill Devil Hills to surf with Wil Inge and friends…. a “Once in a Lifetime” experience. He worked construction and night audit at the Hampton Inn. Halloween 1993 brought a “Touch of Grey” when Mark was hurt surfing, leading to paralysis with a C5-6 spinal cord injury. After spending months in rehabilitation hospitals, he relearned to drive and live independently with close friends in Gloucester Point. Mark then moved back to  Virginia Beach, deciding to go back to Virginia Wesleyan and Old Dominion University to secure a teaching certification in English.

Mark then opened Landstown, the brand new high school in 2001 and taught Honors English 10 and 12th grade AP English Literature and Composition. “Siddartha” by Hermann Hesse-a book given to him by dear friend, Steve Head-was his favorite novel to teach. It profoundly influenced Mark and many of his students.  Vocabulary reviews drilled new words like onomatopoeia and gullible into the students’ minds each day. Mark’s unique teaching style kept the kids engaged: Simpson’s jokes, pushing into kids’ desks, and sending students to fetch snicker bars for his lunch. Mark built lifetime friendships with Chris Partin and the OG teachers and was a favorite of hundreds of kids over 23 years. He often heard, including his nephew, Evan Eskridge, about the difference he made in their lives. An annual scholarship will now be given in Mark’s honor at Landstown High School.

Mark reconnected with Kellie in 2005 during their college’s homecoming weekend. An initial chemistry led to almost 20 years of unmatched love and togetherness and being “Stuck in the Middle With You.” Their playful jokes and soul connection “pushed” them through the tough times and made them often grateful to be together to experience the fun in life. They traveled often. Vegas, New Orleans, and Chicago were their favorite trips. Their love of music made seeing live shows a regular event. But time spent at home over the years with many children and their dogs (Annabelle, Scooby, Maggie, Stella, and Chief), watching movies, series, and shows (SNL, The Daily Show, Jeopardy, NPR), listening to music and singing and dancing, trying new recipes, and enjoying the company of friends and family were the “Best Feeling.”  Although Mark often reminded people he was a “lucky guy” to have Kellie (Honey Bunny) by his side and wrote: “We both rely on each other and have a deep love for one another as we know we will always be there for each other no matter what happens”. Kellie feels their wedding song “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” was lived each and every day with Mark.

Mark and Kellie, a loving couple, decided to become foster parents in 2013. Their warm and easygoing nature made their home a safe haven  for over 60 children throughout their 11 year journey. They provided placements, respite care, and emergency support for these children. In 2020, their hearts swelled with joy as they adopted their youngest daughter, Kira, after fostering her for three years since she was just two. And in 2023, they welcomed Gabby officially as a Doyle after fostering her for four special years since she was seven.

The girls’ fondest memories are Dada singing “Blackbird” before they went to sleep and reading his own version of “The Island of Bum Bum Ba Loo,” watching Star Wars, going to cinema cafe and many other events. Kira and Gabby miss Dada’s humor, patience, and mostly his hugs and unconditional love.

Left to share his wonderful life stories are Mark’s wife, Kellie Clough-Doyle; daughters, Kira and Gabby Doyle; parents, Robert and Karen Doyle (Asdahl); brother, Brian Doyle; Sister-in-laws, Kim Morse (Ted) and Karen Eskridge (Brian); nephews, Evan, Alex, Elijah; niece, Kaylin; goddaughters, Grace and Annie Partin; family friend, LJ; rescue dogs, Stella and Chief; and several relatives and close friends whom Mark loved like family. “In My Life, I Loved Them All”.

Mark’s words below are a testament to how we can heal from this loss and impact others as he did every day.

“After the accident it became even more abundantly clear to me that even when I felt alone not only was I showered with the love of my family and friends, but with the eternal love that encompasses us all. It gave me the strength to carry on through all times, good and bad, and I can only hope that in some way I was able to help others in their lives. Anyway I want you to know that I love you all very much, and want to thank everyone who l've ever been in contact with, because whether we know it or not even the slightest encounters can be life altering. Again please, when you think of me, do it with a smile knowing I am with you.”

A remembrance gathering will be held at Landstown High School on Saturday, May 17 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Thank you to Dr. Paula Johnson and Mark’s work family for making this possible.

Donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Life Rolls On Foundation https://liferollson.org/donate or to Mark’s scholarship fund at Landstown High School.

Contributions to benefit Mark’s daughters’ education may be made through https://everloved.com/life-of….

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