PAWTUCKET – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement today:

“I was saddened this morning to learn of the death of my friend, former Mayor James Doyle. Mayor Doyle was a true public servant who selflessly devoted more than 40 years of his life to serving, strengthening, and revitalizing his beloved native city.”

“As Pawtucket’s longest-serving mayor, he transformed abandoned, blighted mills into our state’s largest arts and entertainment district. He led the effort to establish the Pawtucket Arts Festival, which would become the leading arts festival in New England. And we continue to see his legacy today – in Hope Artiste Village, the nationally-accredited Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center, and the proposal for a new Pawtucket-Central Fall train station. Mayor Doyle had a hand in each of these achievements, and Pawtucket is stronger today because of his leadership.”

“Mayor Doyle loved this city and its residents, and he cherished the opportunity to serve on their behalf. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Joan, their three children, and the entire Doyle family during this difficult time.”