Legendary PC Soccer Coach William J. Doyle Dies at 93

Legendary PC Soccer Coach William J. Doyle Dies at 93

William J. Doyle of Wakefield, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the age of 93, with family at his side.

 

Born and raised in Dublin Ireland, Bill immigrated to the US with his wife and children in 1963 and founded the Providence College men's soccer program in 1968. Bill coached the team for more than a quarter century, which is the second longest tenure of any head coach in Providence College’s history.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

Coach Doyle finished with 207 victories and was inducted into Providence College’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. During his tenure, his teams were ranked 8th Nationally and # 1 in New England (1984) in addition to qualifying for the NCAA tournament play (1983) and being awarded the Sampson Trophy for the top team in the Eastern Region (1983 & 1984).

 

Coach Doyle was named Big East Soccer Coach of the Year in 1983 and was a finalist for the National Coach of the year in 1984.

 

Bill retired from RI’s department of Elderly Affairs where he led their Senior Health Insurance Program.

 

Besides his family and coaching, Bill’s passion was his volunteer work at his local church, Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics. Bill coached bowling, basketball and track at the North Kingstown Special Olympics. He was selected by Special Olympics RI to coach the unified soccer team representing Rhode Island at the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games in North Carolina.

 

Bill leaves his beloved wife Carmel of 68 years, their five children: Alan Doyle (Sharon) of Sarasota, FL; Lorna Hogan (John) of Lewisville, North Carolina; Maureen Doyle–Spare (Alex) of Foxborough, Mass; Brenda Baum (James) of West Greenwich, RI; and Kerry Doyle of Wakefield. RI.

 

Bill’s seven grandchildren include: Cathleen Doyle-Massey (Jared Hollenbeck); Collin Doyle (Stephanie); Maura Seip (Dan); Kevin Hogan (Meghan); Abigail Spare; Patrick and Mathias Baum.

 

Great grandchildren include Ryan and Charlotte Massey, Jack and Maggie Seip and Briana Doyle.

 

Bill leaves many loving nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his two sisters and four brothers.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11 am in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston, RI followed by a reception in the parish hall. The burial will be private.

 

For those who are unable to attend the funeral services, please join us via a live feed: Funeral Mass for William J. Doyle | Friday, August 23, 11 AM Livestream Link

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.