Hon. Joseph T. Doyle
December 18, 2012, marked the passing of The Honorable Joseph T. (“Ted”) Doyle, a true giant of our Bar with epic professional achievements and profound personal character. He truly warranted the title of “Honorable” in every respect.
Judge Doyle was a graduate of LaSalle University, Cum Laude, (B.A., 1953); Villanova University Law School (J.D., 1958); and the University of Virginia School of Law (LL.M., 1990). The Widener University School of Law conferred on Judge Doyle the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in May of 2001. Judge Doyle was admitted to bar in 1959, and was a member of the American, Pennsylvania and Delaware County Bar Associations; the American Judicature Society; the National Lawyers Association; and the Brehon Law Society. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1970 and was reelected in 1972, 1974, and 1976. While a member of the House, he served as vice‐chairman of the Law and Justice Committee; chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Sub‐Committee on Courts, and among other endeavors, was a member of the Joint State Government Commission’s Task Force on the office of the elected Attorney General; a member of the Legislative Data Processing Committee, and a member of the House Democratic Caucus Policy Committee.
Judge Doyle was first elected to the Commonwealth Court in November of 1981 and took office on January 4, 1982. He was retained for a second ten‐year term in November of 1991 and was elected President Judge of the Court effective September 1, 1999. In his position as the President Judge of the Commonwealth Court, Judge Doyle served on the Supreme Court’s Judicial Council. He was honored by the Delaware County Bar Association for his public service and commitment to the legal profession on January 16, 2001 and was presented with its lifetime achievement award.
Prior to his election to the Commonwealth Court, Judge Doyle was the Solicitor for the Borough of Yeadon; the Borough of Brookhaven Zoning Hearing Board; the Borough of Colwyn; and special Solicitor for a number of other municipalities. Judge Doyle was also a member of the Advisory Committee to the Joint State Government Commission’s Task Force on the codification of Real Property Law and sat upon its Sub‐Committee on Land Use, Zoning and Planning, as well as the Sub‐Committee on Land Preservation.
The Honorable Joseph T. Doyle has now been consigned to eternity. His life was truly a life well lived. He was a respected legislator, illustrious Judge, a formidable advocate, a loving father and grandfather, a treasured friend, and a magnificent man. The attorneys and staff of our firm miss him greatly, and will strive to follow his example of leadership and professional service to the community.