Former Pawtucket mayor dies after cancer battle
Pawtucket – The Honorable James E. Doyle loved Pawtucket with all his heart, during his years leading Pawtucket, 13 as mayor after 27 on the City Council, Doyle “has proven himself to be an outstanding leader and a true and outspoken champion for his beloved city
Mayor Doyle, died shortly after 6:00 PM Friday
Pawtucket’s longest-serving mayor dies at 78
Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien
My family and I, along with the Pawtucket community, are deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor James E. Doyle. He was a lifelong resident of Pawtucket that cared about this community and was an ambassador for the City. Mayor Doyle was someone who enjoyed being with people. He had the gift of immediately connecting with you when he met you, then remembering everyone and everything in your life the next time he was with you. He is someone that will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Doyle family at this difficult time.
U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement today
“I was saddened this morning to learn of the death of my friend, former Mayor James Doyle. Mayor Doyle was a true public servant who selflessly devoted more than 40 years of his life to serving, strengthening, and revitalizing his beloved native city.”
“As Pawtucket’s longest-serving mayor, he transformed abandoned, blighted mills into our state’s largest arts and entertainment district. He led the effort to establish the Pawtucket Arts Festival, which would become the leading arts festival in New England. And we continue to see his legacy today – in Hope Artiste Village, the nationally-accredited Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center, and the proposal for a new Pawtucket-Central Fall train station. Mayor Doyle had a hand in each of these achievements, and Pawtucket is stronger today because of his leadership.”
“Mayor Doyle loved this city and its residents, and he cherished the opportunity to serve on their behalf. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Joan, their three children, and the entire Doyle family during this difficult time.”