Joseph B. Doyle

Joseph Bernard Doyle (86) of Westborough passed away peacefully on July 22, 2022. His beloved wife of 55 years Simmi (Tankle) Doyle passed away just two months later on September 20, 2022. He is survived by his daughter Susan Doyle of Westborough, and daughter Leslie Doyle and son-in-law Kyle Mann of Sherborn.

Joe will be dearly remembered for his boyish grin, his devotion to his family, and his incredibly dry wit. As the eldest of six children, Joe (Buddy) was always there to provide thoughtful advice, guidance, and laughter to so many friends and family throughout their lives. 

His family recalls so many times when his quiet strength, patience, and kindness for others made an indelible impact. As a teen, he saved his family when their home in Waltham was overcome with carbon monoxide from a furnace leak. One day he arrived home from his job at Grover Cronin Department Store and surprised his younger sister BettyAnn with a gift of a beautiful gown for her upcoming prom.

As his mother-in-law Jennie would have said, Joe was a mensch. He and his brother-in-law Arthur often cared for Simmi’s brother Label, who had cerebral palsy. Through it all, Joe had a way of putting Label and everyone at ease.

After graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Waltham, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961 on the U.S.S. Amphion AR-13 repair ship where he had his first experiences traveling overseas before beginning his professional career. As a young man, he met a bright, beautiful young woman named Simmi while working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and together they built a lifetime of wonderful memories. 

He brought immense joy to the lives of Simmi and their twin daughters Susan and Leslie. Some of their earliest memories are wonderful tales Joe shared. They will always cherish days curling up on the sofa, laughing and retelling favorite stories. Joe also delighted in visits from his granddaughter Amber, her husband Chad, and his great granddaughter Judith. 

Joe worked at Honeywell and Digital before joining Simmi in the sports photo business she founded. In retirement, Joe and Simmi enjoyed countless laughs, many travel adventures, and sun-filled days at the Cape with dear friends and family. 

His vast historical knowledge served him well as he and his daughter Sue immersed themselves in genealogy. They delighted in uncovering fun facts about their family tree.  Joe was a founding member of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Line, a group of historians who interpreted the lives of the American soldiers in the War for Independence. By educating themselves, the group sought to better understand why men answered the call to arms and what they went through at Lexington and Concord, Fort Ticonderoga, and Yorktown. As a member of the Regiment, Joe enjoyed participating in historical reenactments and made many lifelong friends.

In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind his granddaughter Amber Keig and husband Chad and great-grand daughters Judith and Genevieve of California, sister BettyAnn Noyes and husband Garry of Waltham, brother Robert Doyle of Maynard, sister Patricia McNally and husband John of Gloucester, brother James Doyle and wife Claire of Hopkinton, brother Thomas Doyle of Lowell, sister-in-law Marilyn Goldberg of Framingham, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

At the start of the pandemic, his caregiver Lizette joined the household, providing light and laughter in traversing those difficult days. Over the past year, five deeply devoted women - Victoria, Lydia, Judith, Amanda, and Vicki - cared for Joe, bringing love, comfort, and many smiles. He passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones, his extensive classical music collection, and his cat Ivy by his side. 

A memorial service for Simmi and Joe will be held outdoors at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 29 at Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley. Please contact the family for details and to RSVP. Masks and vaccination are required. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.