"My thoughts and prayers are with the Coyne family at this time. Bob was a joy to be with during my years as Pastoral Care Coordinator at Cherry Ridge. His outgoing, happy manner brought joy to staff and residents alike. May he rest in the peace of Christ. Sister Gert Erb, RSM"
In loving memory of
Robert J. Coyne
August 14, 1923 - January 24, 2024
Robert J. Coyne
Rochester: January 24, 2024 at the age of 100. Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Marie Coyne and his son, David Coyne who died suddenly 01-07-24. Survived by his children Randall Coyne, Patricia (David) Cona, Douglas Coyne, Robert (Heather McDonald) Coyne.
Visitation for Robert and his son David will be Monday, January 29th from 3-7 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Ln. 14626. His Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Ave., followed by entombment at Riverside Cemetery.
Remembering Robert Coyne
Bob was born into a hard-working Irish family of four brothers and one sister. As the youngest child, he strove to be like his elder siblings - often earning him the end of his mother's wooden spoon for it.
He and his siblings attended the Holy Apostles School on Lyell Avenue in Rochester, where he was infamously known to all the teachers, Sisters, and Priests for his 'less-than-serious' attitude. He often boasted that he set the school record for the "most E's without an F".
When his country needed him in 1942, he volunteered to join the United States Army alongside his three brothers. Ultimately deployed to the Pacific Theater, he served and became a decorated soldier during World War II in places such as New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. As one of our last remaining WWII veterans, he wore his service (and hat) with pride.
After returning from the war, he met his to-be-wife of 50 years - Marie Hartleben - at Haloid/Xerox. Marie lovingly recounted her first impression of Bob, struck by the image of him 'strutting confidently down the office hallway in a garish reindeer sweater' - it was love at first sight. In time, Bob and Marie fell deeply in love and became an elegant couple - especially on the dance floor. They delighted in Jitterbugging to their signature tunes 'String of Pearls' and 'Satin Doll' with Bob showing off his famous 'Jefferson wiggle'.
After marriage, they moved to Charlotte, NY and Bob joined the Rochester Police Department in 1950 as they began their family of ultimately five children. Marie always quipped that she actually had six children because of her beloved (but rascally) husband. Forever devoted, Bob famously took care of his wife throughout her debilitating battle with Parkinson's Disease - caring for her at their family home in such a wonderful way that people oft remarked "that's true love right there".
Bob moved through the ranks of the RPD - first as a walking beat officer in the Lyell Ave area, then to patrol car, Detective, Sergeant and decorated Lieutenant. During his 35-year career, some of his professional accomplishments include serving as Lieutenant in charge of both the Tactical Unit and the Investigative Unit and as President of the Police Department's Union - The Locust Club. Lt. Coyne was highly respected for his achievements but above all for his loyalty, kindness and wicked sense of humor.
As a grandfather, he found his ultimate joy - doting, entertaining and spoiling his cherished Grandchildren Lindsey Cona, Aidan & Brenna Coyne, Charlie McCoy, Renée Veniskey and Keith Cona. He delighted in passing along the (sometimes far-fetched) stories of his life and bending to any request, however ridiculous. Becoming a Great Grandfather filled him with even more pride, and with fortune another generation - Max & Elek Vensikey and Weston & Jed Cona - will carry him in their hearts.
In his retirement, Bob loved to sneak in a round of golf or meet with his old cronies for breakfast, recounting the good old days with seemingly unbelievable stories. But that was always Bob - a little fib, a little truth - may we never know the difference.
Tributes
"Lt. Bob Coyne one of the best always a smile, always tried to make you feel great never a smart ass just top shelf Boss. Made to 100 you can just hear him about that!! God Bless and Thank You."
"Bob was my saving grace when I did my Recreation Internship at Cherry Ridge back in 2007. He was the almost like the official greeter and showed me around and introduced me to all the staff and residents and always came to the activities and assisted in me in more ways than I can express. He was truly a remarkable guy and will truly be missed! My hearfelt thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to come! "
"Bob was not only my Dad's partner while working on the RPD, but also, a good friend. Bob could always bring a smile to my face. Like my Dad, Bob served his country, then, his community. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace."
"Bob was one of kind and we will miss him. Condolences for the very difficult and heart-rending month the family has had. -Colleen Coyne, Jim Walsh and Eileen Meisler"
"I offer my most sincere condolences to the Coyne family. I worked for Lt. Coyne in Lake Section and he was ALWAYS in great spirits and had a wonderful sense of humor. His subordinates respected him and lived up to his high standards of service and he accomplished this just because of his great personality and leadership abiity. As I made rank I tried to follow in his footsteps. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile--a great memory of mine. Rest in peace brother---you deserve it. Rob Dewey"
"Dave and Pat. my deepest sympathy to you and the family on the passing of Bob, he was always a personal and friendly man who never had a bad word to say about anyone that I was aware of. John Yanus, Las Vegas"
"I worked on the several stakeouts with Bob and his partner Lou Bertino. I enjoyed working so much with them that I didn't want to take my scheduled days off. I also spent times playing golf with them. They actually were mentors for me, and helped my career along. I will miss them both terribly. Joe Cimino"
"Randy and Pat, My sincere condolence in the passing of your brother and Dad. I didn't realize your family was so large. And I remembered that your Dad and Patty were both Police officers. Such an honorable profession. 100 yrs old! How many can say that?! Handsome photos of your Dad and Brother Ann Laubenstein Linder"
"To The Coyne Family: I always loved Bob. He worked with my Father, Joe Taliento, at RPD. Bob was always comical and had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful person. I remember him telling me that he was retiring from RPD as he refused to work for his daughter to ranked higher than him. But he was very proud of her! I have thought of you often Bob. You and your entire family are in my prayers. I hope you have joined up with my dad and you two can have coffee and donuts! Keeping all in my thoughts. Jo-Al Taliento (daughter of Joseph Taliento Retired RPD)"