Herman Coy

transitioned to his heavenly home.

Herman Coy was born July 1, 1936 in Manhattan, New York, to Sarah and Floyd Coy. He

inherited his Christian values from his parents and was baptized at St. Matthews Church in

Harlem, N.Y. Herm, as he was affectionately called, continued his religious instruction and

participated in the church as a Junior Choir member and church usher.

Herman attended and graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School in 1954, where he was a

phenomenal athlete, receiving “All-New York City” basketball honors as a point guard. Herm

turned down a college basketball scholarship at a Georgia university, instead electing to stay

close to home where he could care for his ill mother and attend NYU and City College. Herman

continued his close relationship with his mother until her passing in 2002.

Herman’s honesty and integrity, coupled with a strong work ethic, afforded him several

employment opportunities. While attending college classes Herman worked part-time for

Manufacturers Hanover Bank (now Chase bank), becoming the first black bank teller in

the famed New York bank’s history.

Herman enlisted in the United States Army in 1959, completing basic training at Fort Sill in

Oklahoma. In 1962, Herman joined the United States Army, National Guard, where he

served in the Artillery as an “Expert Marksman.” Herman served his country in this capacity

until 1965.

In November 1960, Coy became a New York City Police Officer. Herman was a standout

officer, quickly promoted to detective, investigating high-profile cases involving organized crime.

Herman enjoyed a thirty-year career at the NYPD ultimately retiring as a 1 st Grade “Gold Shield

Detective” in 1990. Herman continued his law enforcement career accepting a supervisory

position at the New York District Attorney’s Office. Herman stayed in this supervisory position at

the Manhattan D.A. another 15 years.

Jeanette and Herman married in 1960 and had two sons born to them, Jason and Leonard.

The family originally lived in the Bronx from 1960-1970, until moving to Westchester County,

N.Y., where they maintained a family residence until 2009.

Herman had many passions. Some of his passions were a love of sports, clothes, and food. His

kind spirit and easygoing style was infectious to all who knew him. Herman was a little league

coach, mentor, and commissioner in the local community, always willing to go the extra mile for

the kids at the Harlem Boys Club and in the broader community.

Herman always dressed to impress. He loved clothes, especially fashionable clothes like suits

and ties. Even more than fashion, Herman enjoyed a nice double serving of dessert. At the end

of each day, Herman’s sweet tooth would lead him to a slice of tiramisu or New York-style

cheesecake.

After retirement, Herman and Jeanette moved to Boca Raton, FL, full-time. Herman is a

grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren, Sarah, Ashley, Hannah, Ethan, Heather, and Alexa.

In retirement, Herman spent most of his time attending special family events, sports games,

and supporting his family with love and generosity. Herman is survived by his amazing wife

Jeanette, his children Jason and Leonard, and six beautiful grandchildren.

If you would like to support the Coy family during this time, please direct all donations to the

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Your generosity is greatly appreciated