| CONDOLENCES (GuestBook) |
3/24/2021 Mark Phillips
Nashua, NH, USA
This past week a huge part of my life was taken from me far too soon. Rich Doyle was my brother and dear friend. He was one of a kind , a loyal friend , a hell raiser, and a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember. The happiest moments of my youth were spent with Rich and his brother Chuck. The stories of our coming of age are too numerous to share and far too personal. Rich became a great lawyer, Husband and Father, and although life took us to different places our love for each other never waned. At age 58 I have experienced far too many losses but the Loss of Rich has damaged my soul in a way that will never truly heal. As I contemplate why Rich’s death is different from other friends or relatives I realized just how special a friend he was. You see Rich is the only person in my life that I have never had a bad day with , not one single day. We never argued we never got upset with one another we just enjoyed our moments together. Every memory of Rich makes me smile or laugh uncontrollably. His death has made me realize that at some point in our history together we had our last laugh and last beer and didn’t even know it. Thanks for being a true friend Rich , keep the white fairmont engine running for one day we will ride again. Thanks for blessing me with your presence and filling my mind with so many crazy , wonderful memories. Until we meet again , you will live in my heart.
3/24/2021 Sean Doherty
West Roxbury, Massachusetts, United States
RIP Richie! Pugnacious in court and a lover of all things Irish!
3/25/2021 Keith manheck
Nashua, NH, United States
I'm truly saddened to hear about the passing of Richie Doyle. I've known him since he was probably about 9 years old. We're all good friends as kids. I was several years older about 7 years older, we're always good friends. Although we went off on our own separate ways, it's always nice to hear from him every now and then on Facebook. I still miss his mother Eileen very much. I said my heart felt condolences to his brother Chuck and his sister Catherine and wish them peace and comfort at this time.
3/25/2021 Mark phillips
Nashua, NH, USA
3/25/2021 Linda Brodeur
Nashua, NH, USA
On behalf of the entire Bishop Guertin Community, I extend our heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved Richard. Please be assured of our ongoing thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. With love and prayers; Linda Brodeur, President BGHS
3/25/2021 Janine Bandino
Medford, MA, United States
I was devastated to hear of the loss of a great colleague, who I truly loved practicing law with in Malden District Court. Atty. Doyle was a passionate and zealous advocate for his clients. He will be truly missed by the the criminal defense bar, including myself. Sincerely, Atty. Janine Bandino
3/25/2021 Dick Mulligan
South Boston, MA, USA
My first memory, though foggy, of meeting Rich was at the "BU rugby house" in Allston. Though short in stature Rich ruled that house with the proverbial iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove holding a red solo cup of keg beer. Later in life I would run into Rich when we were getting our hairs cut. Skip Scarro owned a small barbershop on Dorchester Street in Southie, a block off Broadway, about the size of a walk in closet; one barber chair and 5 fold up chairs for waiting, back when the neighborhood was rough and tumble before it became a "beach town". As a public defender Rich represented some of the dregs of society charged with absolutely heinous crimes. He understood that everyone deserves legal representation for our system of justice to work and he was proud of that work. A great story teller Rich could find humor in just about everything. Whenever I walked in the door Skip would say "the little guy was just here" whether it was two hours or two days earlier. You knew you were in for a treat. Skip would repeat the stories to the amusement of all in attendance until the next appearance of Rich with a new batch of stories. Rich's stories were legendary as was he. If you were fortunate enough to be in the barber shop and Rich was there you got to hear the stories straight from the horses mouth and you considered yourself lucky. Being a legend in a Southie barbershop is no small feat; a tough crowd indeed. I'll always miss Skip saying "the little guy was here". You were always guaranteed a great story, a belly laugh and a smile to last until your next visit.
3/25/2021 Bob Tobin
East Walpole, MA, County
I’ll always remember Richie fondly as charging from court room to court room, battling hard for his clients ( often times against long odds). He was irrepressible & a joy to talk & laugh with. My sincerest condolences to his wife, daughters & family.
3/25/2021 Jesse Bousquet Jr.
Melrose , MA, USA
My sincerest condolences to Attorney Doyle’s family and friends during this difficult time. I was saddened to hear the news of his passing. I was lucky enough to work with Richie here and there while taking cases in Malden District Court as a newer attorney. We had some great conversations and often talked about some old neighborhood friends of his that we both somehow knew. I don’t think that Richie knew that in 2015 I moved to Melrose and lived right down the street from him. I’d often see him drive by my house in his flashy red land yacht of a car, and I’d do a double take and say “there goes Richie Doyle!” Great memories.
3/26/2021 Peter Marano
Boston , MA, USA
Rich, the news of your passing is heartbreaking, you were a colleague and friend in court, recalling many times in Malden the comments we’d share about what was going on. God Bless my Brother, Farewell and Following Seas, Pete
3/26/2021 Eddie
Dedham, Ma,
Loyal and Reliable. When I think of my cousin Richie those are the two words that come to mind. If you needed help Richie was there for you, he didn't hesitate and wanted nothing for it. I remember how Uncle Fred would start to light up when Richie would come through the door. I hope you and Fred are together now hopefully discussing a case. RIP Richie thanks for everything you did for me
3/26/2021 Whit Larrabee
Brookline, Massachusetts, United States
I worked side by side with Rich as a lawyer in the Roxbury Court and in other courts. I thought that if I ever got in trouble, I'd want Rich to be my lawyer. He spoke of his daughters and his wife and I could tell that he loved them deeply. The way he told it, he made it sound like his wife had to put up with his mischief. He told a funny story about how he was somewhere where he shouldn't have been when his wife drove by and his daughter pointed out his car. He took pride in his family. He spoke and told stories with a good sense of irony. He poked fun at himself. It was a privilege to know Rich. I will miss him.
3/26/2021 Larry Doyle
Greenwich, CT, United States
We have all heard the colloquial phrase "they broke the mold" in regard to those who possess truly unique, engaging and endearing personalities but with Richie Doyle, they truly did. My first memory of my fabulous cousin goes back nearly 60 years when just as a toddler myself I learned of a cousin of mine who left his home on Hodgdon Terrace in West Roxbury only in his diaper to pay a visit to a neighbor and see what they may provide to entertain his appetite. It only got better from there. Speaking of entertainment, those who know Richie are well aware that for these nearly next 60 years, he provided the bulk of the entertainment with his love of life, love of family, love of the law, love of storytelling -- and how -- and pride of ownership in the Doyle name. Always with a wry grin and a slap on the back to indicate his sense of camaraderie with those he engaged, you always got your money's worth when it came to engaging Richie. What are some of the memories I will carry with me? His exquisite recollection of the history of the USS Intrepid on which his beloved Uncle Fred navigated the waters of the South Pacific during WWII. His charming nature in spinning a tale in regard to the less than complimentary profile of brother Chuck in the 1985 Holy Cross - Harvard football program. While Doyle Nation was preparing to go to war to defend Chuck and the family name, leave it to Richie to weigh in as only he could and offer, "well, you know, it may not be a glowing review but most of it is the truth." Whether holding court in Nashua, at Danville Street, amidst his legendary groups of friends, or in judge's chambers, there was never any doubt that you knew you were in his presence. A heart of gold, he bled green with Irish pride, and that forever smile, Richie was an individual who cared as few in this world are capable of caring. I am sad that he has passed too soon and I will certainly miss him but I have memories that will last me a lifetime. Rest in peace, Richie.
3/26/2021 Ed Doyle
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina,
Cousin Rich. His indelible smile and infectious laugh will forever be ingrained in my memory. My first memory of Richie goes back 55 years. He and Chuck came to our house in West Roxbury for dinner one night....because young Richie had dumped all the food in their fridge into the marsh behind their Hodgon Terrace home. I thought what an ingenious way to let Mom & Dad know who's in charge. We had so many fun times as kids in Nashua, Bretton Woods, Killington, Danville Street, Worcester and more. Richie was blessed with the best traits of his beautiful mother, Aunt Eileen and his beloved father, Uncle Rich. No story about Richie is complete without referencing the bond he shared with Uncle Fred. Two jurists who redefined the word friendship. Richie will be missed but he will never be forgotten. God Bless!
3/26/2021
Boston, ,
Richie was a fearless and tenacious attorney. He often represented people who could not get along with others. RIP, Richie Doyle
3/26/2021 Michael Lozeau
Nashua, NH, United States
So very sad to hear of Richie's passing. As his coach in football and track, I have very fond memories of him at BG. My heartfelt condolences go out to you. I will miss him dearly.
3/26/2021 Paul parent
Pelham, Nh, United states
The best thing I will remember about Richie is his tenacity and mental toughness. He had a major accident that took half his hand off, he never felt sorry for himself and he made most of the jokes about his hand himself. He was not going to let that stop him from playing football. He practiced and played with intensity that was inspiring, it motivated me to stop feeling sorry for myself during double sessions and feeling sore or tired, I would look at him going forward with his hand all bandaged up and I was motivated to get better and be tougher. He kept out locker room laughing , he helped me with many homework problems, he always kept a smile on my face whenever I would see him. I am a better man for knowing him and the world is a little more sad without him.
3/26/2021 Molly Doyle
West Roxbury, Massachusetts, United States
As a teenager, I happened to get into a little bit of trouble that required some legal counsel. Fortunately for me, I had a superstar attorney for an older brother. Long story short, I skipped out on court that day. Richie showed up to my all girl Catholic high school. The office thought he was my father & that we had a family emergency. Rich was fuming. After the smoke settled, he looked at me and said, "Can you believe they thought I was your f'ing Dad?" To which I replied, "you're like 30 years older than me so yea, I can." "27," he said matter-of-factly and into court we went. My only punishment that day came from Rich himself. He called Dad & Uncle Fred to pick me up. It took 2 1/2 hours to get from Dorchester to WR. Rich told that story every Thanksgiving for the next 15 years. Every story, every time, everyone was belly laughing. No matter how many times we may have heard it.
3/26/2021 Robert Conery
Acton, MA, US
Having chosen to attend a private school in my sophomore year, I began to second guess my decision to attend Bishop Guertin High School (“BG”). Lucky for me, my mother suggested that I meet the Doyle Brothers, (Richie & Chuckie), who were also attending BG. Although reluctant to ride across town to make friends with complete strangers; I never anticipated what was about to unfold by simply knocking on the door at 37 Indian Rock Road. Just as in the movie “Animal House” with Pinto entering the Delta House for the first time, I instantly knew the Doyle residence was a special place with a unique group of characters. Rather than Hoover, Otter, Boon, Bluto and D-Day, my “Brothers” were named Richie, Chuckie, Matty, Marky and Bibbit. As members of this infamous group, we each fulfilled specific roles. Although Richie wore many hats bouncing between Bluto and D-Day, at the end of the day he was Hoover, the Chapter President. Whether he was driving the getaway car, A.K.A. “The Ford Fairmont”, talking us out of stupid ideas, helping us get our stories straight, or cleaning the crime scene on the morning after; Richie was the “Fixer” who was a phone call away and always had our backs. For these reasons, it is no surprise he became a Criminal Defense Attorney with a reputation of standing up for those needing help. Besides providing a good laugh while hiding a smile behind his “Poker Face”, Richie made time to listen and went the extra mile with empathy and compassion. Although our lives went in separate directions, the bond I was fortunate to share with Richie and my brothers remains today comprised of memories full of laugher and mischief. Hey Richie if you are listening, put a good word in with the “Big Guy” for me!
3/26/2021 Marc Berube
Bedford, NH, USA
My condolences to the Doyle family. Rest In Peace Wizard. Sorry I couldn’t be there. Be well all.
3/27/2021 Patrick OBrien
Lisbon, Maryland, United States
Ode to Richie Doyle-“The Wizard” Small in stature-with a heart of a Giant Underneath, cool and mild- but ever defiant His momma’s boy at heart-a brother to the end A father, an uncle, a cousin........a “friend” Never to follow-to be but a minion And like his old man-never without opinion Like Jesus a friend to sinners and crooks He defended them all without a second look Serving those without moralities Like Christ, taken down by the pharisees A target at birth-zeroed in with the scope But in Christ there is life-our trust and our hope For one thing that banshee-cannot steal away The promise of salvation-received on that day When he accepted Christ Jesus-as Savior and King Never to be abandoned-despite anything That “Cagney-like” smile-that twinkle in eye So easy to question- to just ask HIM why? For the struggle to be free-don’t we all seek the way? But by faith we’re assured-we’ll be carried away In the living arms of our Lord-we can expect nothing less For was promised to us-the day we said “Yes!” No longer to struggle-to strain and to toil For that promise is kept-my friend Richie Doyle Each day I will cherish-and hope you will wait Til we meet once again- on You’re side of that gate! RIP “Mo Chara” Patrick M. O’Brien
3/27/2021 Len Short
Jupiter, FL, USA
Rich was the subject of much B.U. Rugby legend. I wasn't there but this is how I heard it: The first game of the season and of Rich's career as hooker was to be "away" at Dartmouth. Rich shows up for the overnight trip carrying a square leather briefcase. Someone notices and asks: "Doyle, what's in the briefcase?" Rich places the case down, enters the combination, flicks open the brass closures and after the pause, spins the case to around toward the team. Inside was only a toothbrush and change of underwear. "Its my luggguj!"
3/27/2021 Stephen & Carol Timony
Salem, NH, USA
Dear Kathy, Maggie, Fiona and family We are so very sorry to hear of your loss and with our deepest sympathies may God bless. Love Stephen & Carol
3/27/2021 Glenn
Charleston, SC, USA
So sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. He was a tremendous personality on our Boston U rugby team and we had such a great time at our reunion in 2018. Beneath what could seem like a tough exterior Rich was a sweetheart and cared greatly for others. He will be missed and we wish his family well and send our sincere sympathies.
3/27/2021 Brian jr
Milton, Ma,
Ritchie was one of the smartest funniest and loving people I have ever met. I had some of the best times of my life with him. He truly loved his girls and was so proud of them. I will see you on the other side.
3/27/2021 B Bloom
Essex Fells , NJ, USA
Rich - incredible personality. Could bring the room to a halt and a laugh to a crowd of strangers. A great teammate, housemate, and just plain mate.
3/28/2021 Matthew J Campion
Robbinsville, NJ, United States
When I heard that your dad passed, I was shocked and saddened. Then I thought of my time with him playing rugby at BU. In spite of my sadness, I immediately smiled thinking about all of the really great times with your dad. The common theme of any of the stories I could tell you is that your dad had a ton of fun and he made sure everyone around him was having a great time. You have my sincere condolences. Matt
3/28/2021 Brian & Sandy
Brookline, Ma, Usa
From happy prankster to rough and ready rugby player, then dedicated to his Law degree, our nephew Richie persevered to become successful criminal defense attorney .Always a loving Father we miss, and will always miss Richard M. Doyle Jr.
3/28/2021 Maida K. Latvis
Nashua, NH - New Hampshire, United States
It is with such a heavy heart that I read this obit. Ritchie was one of the good guys. His sense of humor was outstanding and contagious. Saw him recently and we never skipped a beat, although we had seen each other in over 20 years. I remember him manning the door at our many house parties...everyone called him The Wizard. He really was loved by all. Condolences to his entire family. Too young, too soon.
3/28/2021 Bob
Swanzey, NH, USA Maggie and
Maggie and Fiona, I met your father my senior year at Boston University. It may have been only for a year, but boy did I get one of the greatest gifts, getting to know your dad. You don't casually meet Rich Doyle. Bam, it is a full frontal assault of never heard of antidotes, one liners and laughter. After I graduated I played for the Chicago Lions for several years. Many of the newer players were all coming from all kinds of colleges in New England. Some from Holy Cross, UNH, UConn and so on. Then it happened! We were sing songs and a guy standing next to was telling that there was this guy from BURFC that knew every Rugby song ever. " I think they called him the "RAT". Know him? Know him, know him, OMG, where do I start? In all seriousness, he was a great teammate, and when the going got tough, a caring man. I am proud to have known Richard M. Doyle Jr.
3/28/2021 Rob Ullmann
Beverly, MA,
To Rich's family I send my deepest condolences. As a former teammate and roommate I have such great memories of Rich. I was shocked as we all are with such tragic news but like another rugger mentioned a smile came to my face. So many times Rich brought us to tears with his lineout calls(Cardinal Medeiros) and his gift for singing after a rugby game. He led us all with a familiar song during our most recent rugby reunion social at T's pub. The news of his passing spread quickly amongst his old teammates bringing us all together again like no one ese would have. Rich will be missed by so many he has touched over the years. I am confident Rich will be toasted and remembered for years to come! Rest easy Rich.
3/29/2021 Elizabeth Maloney
Franklin, Ma, USA
Cousin Richie I will miss you!! The sparkle in your eye and your grin always made me think you knew something I didn’t know. While I didn’t get to see you often it was always fun to catch up with you, you knew how to make everyone laugh . Your funny tattoo probably kept me from getting one,so thank you for that! My heart breaks for your girls, I can’t imagine their loss. Godspeed Cuz,Love to you
3/29/2021 Paula Goncalves
Melrose , MA, USA
Kathy, Maggie and Fiona, There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am. I remember Rich with a bright smile, a quick wit and for the pride he had for his family. May you all find comfort and peace In wonderful memories of Rich. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Paula and Sofia and Steve
3/29/2021 John M. Esposito
Mont Vernon, NH, USA
God Bless you Rich and Rest In Peace. Thank you for all the good memories and for making everyone laugh and smile. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
3/29/2021 Josh Bolles
Milton, MA, Norfolk
I’m so very to hear of Richie’s passing. May he Rest In Peace. Josh Bolles and Family
3/30/2021 mike mahoney
killington, vt, usa
As a member of BGHS 1981, I would like offer my condolences to your family.
3/30/2021 Sandra Dei Dolori
Ogunquit, Maine, USA
My condolences to the Doyle family. Richie was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace.
3/31/2021 Patricia Diaferio
Norwood, Ma,
I was a little bit older than Richie and he was a good friend of my brother John When they were younger. Richie was very good to me and my family and I was glad to reconnect with him several years ago. He was kind, funny, compassionate and cared deeply about people. He told me that I was like a sister to him. Richie talked a lot about his wife and daughters who we loved very much. He had the best sense of humor.Rest in peace Richie.
4/2/2021 sandra l crowley
Melrose, MA, United States
Dear Kathy,Maggie and Fiona, So sorry to hear of Richie's passing.I have so many memories of beautiful pictures of all of you over the years. My heart goes you all.