Source: Town of Danville
Served six terms on the Town Council from 1991-2016 and was a five-time Mayor, he was 96
By City of Danville
The Town of Danville mourns the loss of longtime former Councilmember and Mayor Mike Doyle, who devoted more than 25 years to serving the Danville community with integrity, passion, and heart. He passed away peacefully at his home in Danville with his family by his side on October 19, at age 96.
First elected to the Town Council in 1991, Mike served six terms and held the role of Mayor five times before retiring in 2016. Over those years, Mike played a key role in guiding Danville through periods of growth and change while steadfastly preserving the small-town character and sense of community that make Danville unique.
Mayor Renee Morgan remembers Mike as a longtime friend as well as a colleague. “He called Danville his ‘Camelot’ and encouraged so many to get involved, including me. Mike was direct, honest, and did it all with a twinkle in his eyes. He will always be affectionately remembered as ‘Da Mayor’ and his legacy will live on in the heart of Danville.”
A true advocate for the Town, Mike was known for his straightforward style, commitment to fiscal responsibility, and tireless efforts to maintain the quality of life residents enjoy today. His work on behalf of the community extended beyond Town limits, as he represented Danville on the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities for two decades.
Mike was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Germany after World War II, providing aid to airmen, displaced persons, and local citizens. He later made Danville his home, where he and his wife, Joe Anne, raised five children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community service.
The Town extends its heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His dedication, leadership, and love for Danville continues to inspire Town Councilmembers, staff, and the community.
OBITUARY
Michael J. Doyle
August 1, 1929 – October 19, 2025
Michael J. Doyle, age 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Danville, CA, with his family by his side, on October 19, 2025. Mike was born on August 1, 1929, in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Mike left the Appalachian coal community for the newly established United States Air Force (1947) at age 17, earned a promotion to Sergeant, and was posted to Erding Air Base, Bavaria, Germany, where he served as Chaplain’s Assistant, providing support for U.S. airmen, local German citizens, and displaced persons.
Mike was reassigned to Parks Air Base in Pleasanton, CA, in 1954. A fateful stop for directions at Elliott’s Bar in downtown Danville, CA turned into a lifelong love affair with his new hometown. Mike proudly purchased an acre of land in Danville in 1955, upon which he built a home and raised a family.
Mike married Joe Anne O’Rourke of San Leandro, CA, his wife of 71 years, with whom he had five children; Mick, Mary Anne, Terry, Celeste and John (Fitz). Mike’s legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren–Kate, Eric, Sean, Gray, Matt, Meghan, Brittany, Corbin, Kyle, Alyssa, Nicole, and John–and his cherished great-grandchildren: Sierra, Owen, Makena, Finnegan, Vivienne, Camille, and Jack.
Mike’s devotion to his family was matched only by his adoration for Danville, which he lovingly referred to as “Camelot.” Mike was proud to serve his community as a member of the Danville Town Council for 26 years and Mayor for five terms. Mike deeply valued the town’s leadership, staff, police, fire, schools, merchants, sports organizations, and all faith communities — churches, temples, and wards alike.
All the Irish luck in the world brought Mike Doyle to Danville, CA where he and Joe Anne built a home, a family and made more friends over the years than can be counted.
Mike’s life and legacy will be celebrated at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Danville on Friday, November 14th at 10:30 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 400 Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making a donation in Mike’s honor to the Discovery Counseling Center: https://www.discoveryctr.net/donate/.
Leave a Reply