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By The Tampa Tribune

@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

TAMPA - Friends and former students of Jesuit's longest-serving president, Father Joseph Doyle, expressed their feelings about him in postings to TBO.com following his death.

Doyle, 72, died Dec. 6 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. A visitation and wake were held at Jesuit last week before Doyle was buried at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. Doyle spent years influencing the lives of his students, leaving an impression many have been sharing at the online guestbook, www.south tampa.tbo.com.

Here are some of the thoughts people have posted:

Father Doyle was a gift to me and my two sons when they attended Jesuit. As a single mother, I struggled to make ends meet for two years to try to afford to send my two sons to Jesuit at the same time. He was a peaceful, gentle, understanding soul. He always told me not to worry about anything and sent me off with the comfort of knowing that my most important job was to continue to be the kind of mother for my sons that I needed to be. They are grown now - in their twenties - and are beautiful, successful, kind and gentle young men. I thank Father for being a shining light on days when I felt there was some darkness. May he rest in our Lord's eternal peace.

A very grateful heart (Tampa, FL)

Everyone has that certain teacher that made "the" difference in their life. Father Doyle was that guy for me. We stayed in touch through college and I even asked Father Doyle to "stand" with my Presbyterian preacher at my wedding, but he was performing another wedding that weekend. He was missed then and is missed now. I only wish I had called him when I thought of him over the last 10 years.

We'll miss you, Papa Joe!

Johnny Raus

Class of 1985, Houston, TX

I am deeply saddened by the death of Father Doyle. I know we all have to pass away at some point in our lives. Father Doyle did so much for me and my family that I would be here for hours writing about his generosity and kindness! He always had a nice way of explaining death to children! God bless Father Doyle and his family and the Jesuit community. I know he is smiling looking down on us with his goatee! My you rest in peace, father Doyle!

Tommy and Dawn Morrill, Tampa

We are all better people for having known Father Doyle. He was a friend, a leader, a true humanitarian and overall great person. This is a very sad day for my family and all Jesuit families. We love you very much, Father Doyle: Frank, Amy, Hannah and Elena Llende.

Frank Llende, Rocklin, CA

Fr. Doyle was everything I respect in a man and a priest. His hugs and good wishes were just as sincere following his celebration and retirement from Jesuit than when we hugged following my graduation in '66. Although he struggled to be understood that particular day, there was never any struggle to interpret what he said loudly and clearly with his heart. As he joins the communion of saints, I am forever grateful of the gift I was given to have had him in my life. May God bless you and keep you.

Richard Anello, Brandon

Father Doyle was truly a man for others. Anyone who knew him, knew that he brought something special to the table. He was able to inspire the young and old alike with his less-than-conventional ministry style, and he was a dear friend to so many students and their families. It is a very sad day for Jesuit High School, the place that he helped develop both physically and spiritually. Whether you've been to one of his masses or just met him in passing, you knew that you were in the presence of a true saint. Perhaps it was his frequent reminders that he loved you (even if he didn't know your name and called you "Good Brother") or his deep interest in seeing you succeed in school, athletics, or otherwise, he was a special friend and mentor. May God bless him and those who today mourn his loss.

Christopher Reyes, Gainesville

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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