Francis J. ‘Frank’ Coyne, West Caldwell resident, operating engineer – New Jersey Hills

He loved to make everyone feel special and unique about themselves.

Frank was born in Dawros, County Galway, Ireland, to Thomas and Kate (Joyce) Coyne.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps active duty and in the Reserves. While in service, he attended college.

Upon his return to New Jersey, he began a career as an operating engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68, West Caldwell.

He met and married the love of his life, Eileen E. Giblin, and together they raised their five children in West Caldwell.

A lifelong sportsman, he won a championship with the 1963 Connemara Gaels in the New York Gaelic Football League. He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football, Villanova basketball and the Caldwell Athletics and, most importantly, of his grandchildren’s teams.

A “Wild Colonial Boy” until the end, his singing of Irish songs opened and closed many nights for his nine decades.

Surviving to keep his magnificent spirit alive are his beloved wife, Eileen E. Coyne; his devoted children, John (Tara) Coyne of Randolph, Cathy (John) Clarkin of West Caldwell, Thomas (Tricia) Coyne of Randolph, Kevin (Angela) Coyne of Essex Fells and Christopher Coyne of West Caldwell; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Jenna and Jack Coyne, Sean, Katie and Brian Clarkin, and Patrick and Lauren Coyne; and his extended family members and close friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas, Jack, Michael and Patrick, and by his sisters, Katherine Joyce and Anne Keith.

Visitation for friends and family was held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Codey and Jones Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave., Caldwell. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at St. Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave. in Caldwell, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. To share a condolence or memory, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory to the West Essex First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 662, West Caldwell, N.J. 07007-0662 would be appreciated.