Francis "Buzz" Coyle

Until the moment he died Buzz was doing those things, large and small, that he did every day to care for his home, family and community without asking thanks or recognition.

Whether volunteering at VFW Post 8607 in Chatham or for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Naples and Marco Island, on the road in between or while visiting friends and family, Buzz was always on the lookout for how to help people and how to fix things or do something more efficiently. He would often recount how he had shaved off a few minutes or miles, or made the trip more enjoyable between Florida and Harwich, where he and his loving wife, Mary-Lou, enjoyed their retirement.

Buzz was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a caring friend to all.

Born Dec. 6, 1931 in Danbury, Connecticut to Francis J. Coyle and Louise (Juan) Coyle. He attended Henry Abbot Technical School. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1948-1952. He saw active duty with the Army of Occupation from 1950-1952 with the 43rd Military Police Company in Virginia and Germany.

After his service he was a police officer in Danbury until 1955 when he went to work for the Southern New England Telephone Company, where he stayed until he retired in 1987 as Installation and Repair Manager for Northwestern Connecticut.

Buzz’s smile and handshake were a welcome addition to any day but he was also one to speak his mind whether you agreed or not. He will be missed.

In addition to his volunteer work with the VFW and sheriff’s office, Buzz was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge #2010 in Naples, and trustee and treasurer of the Robert Alden Ellsworth Trust at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont. He took part in many events to honor veterans and those who died while serving, including as a member of the color guard during Memorial Day parades and at local graduations.

In addition to Mary-Lou, Buzz is mourned by his four children, Douglas Coyle (Carroll), Jill Coyle, Claire Casci and Raymond Casci; his brother, James Coyle (Charlene); grandchildren, Nichole Matyjasik, Megan Matyjasik, Jaime Coyle, Joshua Coyle and Timothy Coyle. He was predeceased by his daughter, Pamela Coyle, his grandson, Mark Casci and his sister, Marita Saunders.

Visiting hours will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 23 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd., Chatham, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church, 241 Main St., West Harwich. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the SIDS Foundation.