Salem: Peter J. Doyle age 77, retired Salem educator, died unexpectedly, Monday, December 10, 2007 at the NSMC / Salem Hospital. He was the husband of Joan (Laborde) Doyle with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Alice (Hayes) Doyle. A graduate of St. Mary’s School and Salem High he received his Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State College. Peter began his career in education teaching at the Bowditch School, the Pickering School and later the Saltonstall School. He subsequently became principal of the Saltonstall School, Horace Mann South and the Bates Elementary School. He retired from the Bates School in 1995.
Peter was an avid basketball, tennis and golf fan. He began playing semi-pro basketball for Winslow Chip Co. At Salem State he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was later joined by his son Tom, the first father and son to be so honored. For 12 years he was the doubles champion in the City of Salem Tennis competition held at the Willows. Golf was his other passion and for years he was active at the Salem Muni later to become Olde Salem Greens. In 1976 & 1978 his twosome won the Salem Country Club 4 Ball Championship. Peter was also a staunch supporter of Salem High basketball and golf as well as researching the history of athletics for Salem High, Salem State and the Salem Muni. He was a member of the Salem State Alumni Committee.
In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by a daughter, Kim M. Erps and her husband Ralph of Salem, 4 sons: John P. Doyle of Salem, David Doyle and Louanne Gray of Worcester, Patrick J. Doyle of Salem, Thomas R. Doyle and his wife Jessica of Salem, 3 brothers: James Doyle of San Diego, CA, David Doyle of Salem, Louis Doyle of NY, NY, 3 sisters: Mary Doyle of Salem, Ann Kiley of Peabody, Ellen Tassinari of Beverly. Peter is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Timothy P. Erps, Ethan T. Doyle and Jack P. Doyle and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 5 brothers: Joseph, Jr., Jack, Richard, Philip and Thomas Doyle.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 8 am from the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., [Rt. 114 / 1-A] followed by his funeral mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem at 9 am. Visiting hours: Thursday 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Peter J. Doyle Memorial Fund,c/o Salem High School, Attn: Carol Amodeo, 77 Wilson St., Salem MA 01970. For guest book and additional information, please visit www.levesquefunerals.com