Robert E. Doyle Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Knoxville, Tennessee on December 6, 2015. He was born December 21, 1929 in New York City. Robert was a devoted father, husband, and very successful Industrial Designer. He was a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York City, NY and remained as an active alumni throughout his professional career.
From the early 1950’s through the early 1960’s, he worked at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, IN and then Philco, Philadelphia, PA respectively.
In 1962, he worked at Sylvania in Batavia, NY as a designer and ultimately became the Head of Design of GTE Sylvania in Batavia from 1962 to 1981. Sylvania was purchased by Magnavox’s parent company, North American Phillips and moved its operations to Knoxville, Tennessee. Robert ultimately retired from Magnavox but remained active in the Industrial Design field right up unto the past year. One of his television designs of the late 1950’s, the Philco Predicta, is in the Smithsonian Institute’s Cooper Hewitt Museum.
Robert attended Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Batavia, NY. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Georgia. Sister Sheila (Emil) Rohner of New Bern, NC, Sons, Joel (Paula) Doyle of Rochester, NY, Paul (Lee) Doyle of North Chili, NY, Mark (Suzanne) Doyle of Rutherfordton, NC, and grandchildren Sarah (Jim) Golden, Jordan Doyle, Matthew Doyle, Hannah Doyle, Katrina Doyle, Amanda Doyle and Audrey Doyle. He is predeceased by his son David (Annette) Doyle.
The family will have a Receiving of Friends at the Doyle residence. Friday December the 11th 12-2pm and 5-7pm. For more info email christina4houses@gmail.com. Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel 6200-Kingston Pike, Knoxsville, TN is in charge of arrangements. Please visit the online guestbook at www.rosemortuary.com.
