Obituary of William Coyne

William L. Coyne, Jr., a retired Letter Carrier, passed away after a brief illness on Monday morning, October 29, 2012. He was 89 years old. Bill was born in Somerville, the son of the late William and Catherine Coyne. He grew up and was educated in Somerville. He enlisted in the Army to fight in World War II in March of 1943 and proudly served his country until March of 1946 only days from Germany’s unconditional surrender. He saw action in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was the recipient of the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. After the war, he worked as a mailman for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years spending most of those years as a letter carrier in Burlington. He enjoyed being outdoors, walking, and the many friends and customers he had on his route. William was a very humble man, who didn’t want a lot of attention. He was most proud of each of his children and the special qualities they each possessed. He loved spending his summers on Grand Beach in Scarborough, Maine with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He loved the ocean, walking the beach, boating and sailing. His summer home was the place of countless wonderful family memories, filled with laughter and affection. At home, Bill had a daily routine. He enjoyed going to daily Mass at St. Barbara’s Church, coffee with his friends, a 6 mile walk, and then puttering around his home. He adored his children and grandchildren unconditionally always willing to support them in any manner he could. He leaves his family with a wonderful example of living a life of humility, decency, faithfulness, and commitment. William was the beloved husband of 60 years of Rita M. (Kelleher) Coyne. He was the loving father of Daniel & his wife Mary Ann of Burlington, Brian of Billerica & his late wife Jeanine, Christopher Coyne, Auxiliary Bishop of Indianapolis, Patricia Silverman & her husband Neal of New Milford, CT, Maureen Gillis & her husband Stephen of Franklin, Anne Marie Coyne of Woburn, and the late Terrence Coyne. He was predeceased by his siblings; Mary Komich, Charles and Randall Coyne. He was the proud Grandpa of Lisa, Patrick, Christina, Matthew, Jennifer, & Molly Coyne, Melissa Connor, Michael & Christopher Silverman, Sean, Kyle & Rachel Gillis, and the late Sarah Rose Coyne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Barbara’s Church, Woburn on Saturday, November 3 at 10 a.m. Concelebrating priests are asked to bring Archdiocese of Boston vestments. Visiting hours will be held in St. Barbara’s Church, on Friday from 4-8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Memorials in William’s name may be made to St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, MA 01801.