Richard Eric Doyle, 77, of St. Augustine FL died on October 27 with his loving family in the Bailey Community Hospice. He had moved to St. Augustine in 2017 following the death of his wife, Barbara (Loughlin) Doyle. He lived in Newburyport (MA); in the community near Lake Attitash in Amesbury, MA; on the coast of New Hampshire in Hampton; and in Barefoot Bay in Sebastian, FL.
Mr,. Doyle was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts on September 28, 1941. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Newburyport High School (MA) with the Class of 1959 and he graduated from Keene State College (NH) in 1965.
After graduation, he entered the profession that he loved – teaching. He taught for 37 years at his alma mater, Newburyport High School (NHS), in the subjects of Social Studies, Economics and Theater Arts. For many years he was the faculty advisor for the En-Aitch-Ess, the school yearbook, and he directed several student musicals that were well received.
He served as advisor to the Close Up Program and the Student Council. He was a faithful supporter of the NHS Clippers sports teams. In addition, he was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Celtics.
He further supported NHS and his profession by being a member of the Newburyport Teachers Association where he served as President, was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. Following his retirement, he volunteered at Strawbery Banke (NH); painted with watercolors; wrote for area seacoast newspapers; taught genealogy in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida. He taught inmates at the Es County Correctional Facility (MA) under Sheriff Frank Cousins educational program.
Plus, he directed the community musicals of Barefoot Bay (FL). He was a proud member of the NHS Alumni Association. His love of family and genealogy led him to research, write and edit “The Erickson Family History” with input from his sister and cousins.
He also wrote the book “Winston Churchill Was a Catholic Priest” which detailed his many humorous experiences as a teacher. With his wife, he enjoyed political gatherings including the first Inauguration of President Bill Clinton. They also attended numerous Kennedy Honors events in Washington, D.C.
He loved his many trips to foreign countries including his ancestral countries of Ireland and Sweden. Mr. Doyle was predeceased by his Mother Elizabeth (Erickson) Doyle and his wife Barbara (Loughlin) Doyle. He is survived by his sister Edith (Doyle) Walsh and her husband William J. Walsh, Jr. of St. Augustine, FL and his niece Shannon Walsh also of St. Augustine.
Plus, he is survived by his nephew Dr. David Walsh and his wife Alicia of Houston, Texas. He delighted in the lives of his grandnephews Kian Walsh and William Harrington and his grandniece Kyra Walsh. He is mourned by several cousins.
Family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Wednesday Nov. 14, 2018 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the Funeral Home.
His Funeral Service will immediately follow the calling hours at 11:00 AM in the Funeral Home. Former students and colleagues are invited to give their remembrances of Mr. Doyle at that time. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, family is requesting that donations be made to the Richard E. Doyle Scholarship of the NHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Donations are to be mailed to P.O. Box 62, Newburyport, MA 01950.
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