Fr. John Doyle

Reverend John J. Doyle, priest of the Diocese of Joliet, age 93, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 22, 1932, to Martin and Eileen (Mahoney) Doyle.

Father Doyle attended Visitation Grade School in Chicago, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, St. Procopius Seminary, and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.

On June 7, 1958, Father Doyle was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Joliet by Bishop McNamara at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. He began a long and devoted priesthood that would span nearly 57 years and touch the lives of countless people throughout the Diocese of Joliet.

Father Doyle served as Parochial Vicar at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet from June 1958 until June 1962, and at Holy Trinity Parish in Westmont from June 1962 until August 1964, also serving briefly as Temporary Administrator of Holy Trinity in 1963. From August 1964 until January 1968, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Pius X Parish in Lombard.

In January 1968, Father Doyle was appointed Pastor of Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish in Chebanse, where he served until June 1974. He then became Pastor of St. Liborius Parish in Steger, serving there until June 1988.

In June 1988, Father Doyle was appointed Pastor of St. Anne Parish in Crest Hill. He continued in that role until his retirement in June 2015. Beginning in January 1999, he also served as Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Crest Hill, faithfully serving both communities until his retirement.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Doyle also served the Diocese and the community in many other capacities. His assignments included Chaplain for the Department of Corrections in Joliet, Chaplain to the Y.C.S. group at the College of St. Francis, Assistant Spiritual Director to Catholic Social Group, Diocesan Consultor, Ford-Iroquois Dean, member of the Senate of Priests, and member of the Priests’ Retirement Board. He was also a dedicated chaplain to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, a ministry in which he served for 40 years.

Father Doyle was a wonderful man and a wonderful priest who dedicated his life to serving others. Throughout his many years of ministry, he was always willing to accommodate those who called upon him, whether they were members of his parish or not. He had a compassionate heart and offered solace, comfort, and a listening ear to those who came to him during times of sorrow and need.

At the same time, Father Doyle found great joy in celebrating life's happiest occasions. He loved sharing in the joy of families as they celebrated weddings, baptisms, and other important milestones. His ministry was one of presence, compassion, faith, and service, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

Father Doyle retired from active ministry in June 2015 after nearly 57 years of faithful service to the Diocese of Joliet.

He will be deeply missed by the countless parishioners, families, friends, fellow priests, and members of the communities he served throughout his remarkable priesthood.

Please remember Father John J. Doyle in your prayers.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Doyle; as well as cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Eileen (nee Mahoney) Doyle; and his brother, Bob Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fr. John J. Doyle’s name may be made to St. Patrick Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563, or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Fr. John J. Doyle will lie in state at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N Raynor Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at 2:45 p.m. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W. 111th Street, Alsip, IL 60803.