Joseph E Coyle

Joseph E. Coyle, 87, of Wyckoff, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Joseph was born in the Bronx, New York, to Joseph Phillip Coyle and Elizabeth Lout Coyle. He was the third eldest of seven children and the eldest son. Joe spoke fondly of his childhood, recalling how his family made the best of living with very little. He attended elementary school in a small schoolhouse and spent time fishing for eel in a nearby creek. He also cherished the memory of his eldest sister, Joannie, occasionally slipping him money to go to the movies—a kindness he never forgot. Joe graduated from Aviation Trades High School in 1957. Later in life, after both of his children had completed college, he continued his own education and earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York in 1988 by combining community college and career learning credits.

Following high school, Joe began his career with Pan American Airlines. During the airline industry’s expansion in the 1970s, he managed Pan Am’s jet engine repair facility, overseeing a staff of more than 400 technicians. When the airline industry contracted in the early 1980s, Joe transitioned to a new field and became maintenance manager for Datagraphix, Inc., a subsidiary of General Dynamics. He later served as an administrator for maintenance management with the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority, retiring in 2007.

Joe also served his country with distinction. At age 17, he joined the New York Army National Guard and transferred to the 42nd Military Police Company in 1959. After completing the Empire State Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard in 1963. In 1965, he joined the New York Air National Guard, where he served as a Staff Aircraft Maintenance Officer, coordinating maintenance for fighter, cargo, tanker, and helicopter aircraft. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in 1982 assumed duties as Headquarters Disaster Preparedness Officer. He retired from military service in 1991.

Curious, adventurous, industrious, and an excellent problem solver, Joe embraced the opportunities his aviation and military careers provided. His work allowed him and his family to travel extensively across the country and around the world, offering them a rich real-world education.

After retirement, Joe and his wife Terri moved from their home in Crestwood, New York, to the Spring Meadow community in Wyckoff, New Jersey, to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Joe enjoyed the strong sense of community in Wyckoff. He played golf with his Activities Unlimited friends, exercised regularly at the YMCA, worshiped at St. Elizabeth’s Church, and shared his maintenance expertise with the Spring Meadow community. Joe and Terri also treasured time with family at their vacation home on Sleepy Hollow Lake in Athens, New York, which they built together with their children.

Joe was a deeply spiritual man—unassuming, patient, and kind—and devoted to his wife and family. He met Terri at age 15, and they were married for 66 years. Even on his final day he greeted her with the words, “Good morning, my beautiful bride.” The couple first lived in Terri’s family home in Mount Vernon, New York, and later moved to their own home in Crestwood, where they formed many dear friendships and were active in the vibrant Catholic community of Annunciation Church. They loved spending time with family and friends and loved to dance!

In addition to his beloved wife Terri, Joe is survived by their daughter and son-in-law, Donna and John Gormley and their son, Joseph Coyle Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Thomas and Lindsay Gormley, Ryan and Nicole Gormley, Shelby and Juliana Tesoriero-Capone, Kristin and Jules Mujuru, Peter and Juliana Gormley, and Joseph Coyle III and his fiancée Erin Mostoller. Joe was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Violet, Miles, and Gabriella Gormley, and Arlo, Otto, and Luciano Tesoriero-Capone.

He is also survived by three loving siblings: Joan Smith, Madeline Roxburgh, and Edward Coyle, along with a large extended family. Joe was surely welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by his parents, his siblings Betty Ann, Michael, and Kevin Coyle, and many other beloved family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, New Jersey, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth RC Church, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, New Jersey. Entombment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Elizabeth’s Church, Oasis—A Haven for Women and Children, 59 Mill Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501, or a charity of your choice.

Terri and Joe’s family sincerely appreciate the many gestures of sympathy, love and support during this time.

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