Former mayor of Pawtucket, James Doyle, passes away

By: Niza Vinas

nvinas@abc6.com

Former Mayor of Pawtucket, James Doyle, has died.

Doyle retired in 2010 after serving six terms as Mayor of Pawtucket. He was the city’s longest serving mayor.

Doyle died on Friday; he was 78 years old.

Mayor of Pawtucket Donald Grebien tells ABC6 a ceremony was in the works to name the Pawtucket Bridge on Interstate 95 after James Doyle, but an actual date for the ceremony was pending due to Doyle’s health condition. The bill to name the bridge after the former mayor was introduced in April. 

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and Congressman David Cicilline have issued statements on the passing of Mayor Doyle:

Attorney General Kilmartin:

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor James Doyle. He was the definition of a true public servant who dedicated his life to the City of Pawtucket. His love for Pawtucket was second only to his love for his family. I am fortunate to be among the many who considered him a friend and a mentor. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of myself and my wife Kristine, our deepest condolences to his wife Joan, his children, and his grandchildren."

Congressman Cicilline:

“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.”

© WLNE-TV / ABC6                        2016