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.