Jerome "Jerry" Bernard Doyle

It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Jerry Doyle on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, Stephenville at the age of 82 years.

He was predeceased by his parents; Gerald & Margaret, and sister Mary Ellen.

Jerry was a kind, loving husband and a generous, caring father and grandfather. He was deeply spiritual and sensitive. He led by example, teaching his children that they could pursue their dreams and live a life full of adventure. He will always be remembered for his love of his motorcycle and his rides down to Port Harmon, which was his special spot to reflect, imagine, question and write. He leaves to mourn with many loving memories his beloved wife Stella, children: Terry (Sharon) Tucker, Shawn (Paula Jean) Doyle and Adrienne (Mark) Doyle brothers: Clar, Pat, Jerry, Bernie, Jimmy and Gervis (deceased), five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as a large circle of extended family and many friends.

Jerry Doyle was born in Avondale to Margaret and Gerald Doyle. As a young man, he attended All Hallows College in Dublin, where he studied for the seminary—a pursuit he cherished deeply. When he was forced to leave that path, he was led to Wabush, where he met Stella, the woman who would change and enrich his life for the last 58 years. He then embarked on a lifelong career in mining that took him from Wabush Mines and Hopebrook to Fort McMurray and Hibernia, but it was theatre that captured his heart. Jerry was a prominent figure in the NL arts scene for decades, working as an actor, director, writer, and producer. He served as artistic director of the Stephenville Festival for six years and was deeply involved with the Newfoundland Arts Council. His work appeared on television and film in such productions as Republic Of Doyle, Traders, Misery Harbour, Grown Up Movie Star and his favourite, Gordon Pinsent’s John And The Missus. He cherished close collaborations with his brother Clar, a playwright, director, and designer, and with his siblings Mary Ellen, Pat, and Jerry through the Labrador theatre group The Carol Players. He won acting awards too numerous to mention at the provincial theatre festivals, and his mother Margaret never missed a production. Aside from his gift as an actor, he could captivate any room through an Irish ballad with his legendary singing voice.

Beyond performance, Jerry created a literacy program that he toured around the province, helping people discover their own sense of self-worth and value. He also had a penchant for bringing people from difficult circumstances into theatre, giving them a chance to realize their full potential.

In his later years, he penned his memoirs, "In the Shadow of the Mountain," chronicling his journey from Avondale through his decades on stage and screen. Though illness prevented him from promoting the book as he'd hoped, it remains available on Amazon and stands as his testament to a life lived with purpose.

A Come & Go Celebration of Life will be held at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm with Father Michael Barker having prayers at 3:00 pm.

As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.