Owen Joseph (Gene) Coyne, Jr., beloved husband of Katherine Flynn Coyne, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 31, 2022. Gene was born on November 24, 1939, to the late Owen and Ellen Foley Coyne. He was raised in Jamaica Plain, MA.
In addition to Kathy, his wife of 56 years, Gene leaves behind a heartbroken family: his children Julie, Kerry (Nate Gilbertson), Ted (Karen Bedrosian), Katie (Marco Restrepo), Kevin, Maggie (Jim Baron), Chris (Clinton French) and his grandchildren John Owen and Thomas Kelly Coyne, Rhianna and Quinn Gilbertson, Nico and Eli Restrepo, Margaret and Liam Coyne, Logan and Ronan Baron. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy Crosby (Jim), Sheila Coyne, sisters-in-law Judy Coyne, Carol Pote, Ellen Elen (Bobby), and brother-in-law Mike Flynn (Lois). Gene was predeceased by his brother Thomas Coyne, brothers-in-law Ted Flynn, Jr., John Flynn (Ann), and John Pote. Gene had an expansive extended family of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and life-long friends whom he loved dearly.
Gene graduated from Mission High School in Boston, MA. At 17, he joined the Air Force and served four years before attending Stonehill College. It was there that he met Kathy during their freshman year. They graduated together in 1965 and were married on February 12, 1966. Gene built a successful business career. Always working, he never fully retired from Trans-Lux Corp where he worked as Vice President of Sales.
A true sports fan, Gene was a proud supporter of his hometown teams - the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, and Bruins. He became a huge fan of the UCONN Women's basketball, and loved watching games with his family. A longtime member of Shorehaven Golf Club, Gene served on the Board of Governors for many years. He was a passionate golfer who loved to play with friends and family, especially his sons, and he loved to share stories of these cherished times on the course.
If he wasn’t on the golf course, you could find Gene spending time with his grandchildren. From the field, to the pool, to the stage, “Onie” (as the grandchildren called him) was their biggest fan, always there to cheer them on. He was so proud of them and rarely missed a chance to see them shine. Gene was always up for breakfast at the diner, an ice cream or lunch outing, or grabbing coffee and a donut. He was happy for any reason to take a moment to be together, to hear more about what his kids and grandkids were up to.
If you knew Gene, you knew that his greatest love was his family. He was an amazing father and husband, devoted grandfather and friend. Among all his accomplishments in life, his family was his most treasured. He was endlessly proud of every child and grandchild, impressed with everything they achieved. Gene made everyone in his presence feel welcomed and appreciated. His stories, sense of humor, laughter, encouraging words, smile, and bright blue eyes will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a vast legacy of love.
Gene was the ultimate storyteller and keeping family history alive through stories was very important to him. If you have a remembrance of Gene that you’d like to share with the Coyne family, notes can be mailed to 11 Marvin Street, East Norwalk, CT, 06855.
Gene’s family will receive friends on April 21, 2022, from 4-8 PM at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on April 22, 2022, at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s honor to an organization close to his heart, Education and Hope, founded by his daughter, Julie. Contributions may be made online at www.educationandhope.org, or mailed to P.O. Box 486, Norwalk, CT, 06856.