Michael F. Coyle
ONEONTA — On Saturday, Sept. 29, Michael Coyle passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He was participating in a Bike Race, a 24.32 mile bicycle race in Cooperstown.
He was the son of the late Robert L. Coyle and Helena Hoffman of Ilion, born on Oct. 22, 1951, in Ilion.
Mike was a member of the Oneonta Elks, Sons of American Legion, and the Oneonta VFW. Michael was an avid runner and participated annually in the Utica Boilermaker and the Memorial Pit Run. Michael and his son, Shawn, were most recently proud participants in the 500-mile RAGBRAI cycling event across the state of Iowa. Michael also thoroughly enjoyed adventures outdoors such as camping, hiking and fly fishing. He recently went fly fishing with his friend, Jeffrey Whittemore “Whitt” in Montana.
He was a longtime guitarist and very passionate about music. Mike was also an avid golfer. Over the years he enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. He participated in many golf leagues throughout the years with his wife, Hazel. Michael was also a longtime rider of Harley Davidson Motorcycles and enjoyed outings and long distance trips with his friends. He recently rode his motorcycle out to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, and to Maine with his friend, John Bullis. Michael recently participated in his first triathlon, the “Ratsnake” at Gilbert Lake. This accomplishment, among many others, made his family very proud.
Michael was a proud blood donor to the American Red Cross Association and donated regularly towards the cause in which he passionately supported.
Michael was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel Ann (Pilley) Coyle. They married on April 24, 1976, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Together, they moved to Oneonta in 1977.
Mike graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1979, with his B.A. degree and received his master’s degree from SUNY Albany in 1982. Michael was currently working as a Migrant Educator at SUNY Oneonta.
He leaves three children: son, Scott Michael of Quincy, Mass., son, Shawn Phillip of Oneonta, and daughter, Eileen Frances of Canton. He also is survived by his sister, Cynthia Cabrera and husband Rene Cabrera of Ithaca. He leaves two nieces, Shana McKillop-Cabrera of Alexandria, Va., and Elena Cabrera of Ithaca.
Mike “CoyDog” Coyle, will be greatly missed by all. He lived life to the fullest and was an inspiration to many.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta.
A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at St. Mary’s Church 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Bernard Ampong, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 101 Main St., Suite 5, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting the website at http://www.bennettfh.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
