Robert D. Coykendall

Robert Dennes Coykendall of East Hartford died on November 13, 2025. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 11, 1937, the son of Linley and Helen Peck Coykendall. He attended Washington Street Grammar School and graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1955. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Math in 1959 from Trinity College, where he was a Fox Foundation scholar. He was employed by United Technologies' South Windsor Engineering Facility (SWEF), where he helped develop fuel cells. He retired in his early fifties to do some things he loved - he read voraciously and was an expert in the history of Greece, Rome, and England. He was a member of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, where he crewed on an Atlantic Class sailboat for many years; and he swam regularly, biked long distances, and participated in triathlons. Fond of classical music, he learned to play the piano.

He served his community with both effort and finances. He was a Trustee of the Jacob & Lewis Fox Foundation for many years and recently became an emeritus Trustee. He encouraged many young people to take scholarships seriously and to apply to college. He established the Coykendall Family Scholarship at Trinity. He also served on the finance committee at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford for several years.

He leaves his twin brother and best friend, Alan, and his wife Betty, of Unionville, and nephew John and his wife Gail, and their children Jake and Kate, of Westport.

Calling hours will be at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, on Saturday, November 22, from 9:00 am - 10:15 am, followed by the service at Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford, at 11 am, with a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT, 06106 or Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com