Charles Joseph Coyne, Jr.

Charles Joseph Coyne Jr., known as Chick to those closest to him, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023.  He was a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 1975. Chick was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. 

Chick was born on October 29, 1928 in Windber, Pennsylvania. Following completion of high school education, He worked as an apprentice for several years where, among other things, he became an incredibly proficient welder. Chick joined the US Army in October of 1950 with hopes to serve his country in the Korean War, however once his superiors learned of his welding talents, his military career quickly took another path. He was transferred to Fort Benning, GA to complete auto mechanic training, and then to Fort Irwin, Mojave, CA for armored vehicle training. His talents ultimately landed him a deployment to a post-war Germany where he worked as a tank mechanic and welder during his time in service.

As fate would have it, True Love would begin on Chick’s last day as an enlisted man. Looking dapper in his Army Green uniform, Chick stepped into a small New York City diner for a bite to eat. Rising above the typical diner sounds of clinking china, sizzling burgers and busy hubbub, was the alluring sound of laughing and giggling. Turning to face the source, Chick’s eyes settled on four young ladies sitting at a window booth. But only one beautiful redhead enchanted him. He struck up a conversation with Virginia “Jean” and after a bit of coaxing, he managed to get her telephone number, which resulted in a string of double dates (the standard protocol of the time). 

Captivated by Jean from the very beginning, he married her on November 6th, 1954 and settled in West Hempstead, NY. Being passionate about aviation, Chick obtained a job at Allied International where he worked on ground support equipment at LaGuardia airport.  Whenever he had a chance, Chick would take to the air in his uncle’s single engine Ercoupe. Although he reveled in flying, and logged many flying hours, his love for Jean trumped that passion.  He quit flying to quell the fears she had for his safety. To this day, his logbook sits on his bedside table. 

Chick was a devoted family man and would do almost anything to see his children smile. One Christmas while his children were young, he built a life-size wooden sleigh with reindeer that he suspended on cables to appear as though it were flying over the roof of the house. It became a truly magical neighborhood attraction that lasted throughout his tenure on the festive street.

Chick created life-long friendships with his Lincoln Avenue neighbors and fellow boaters. Those friendships were FAMILY, and all of the children even referred to the adults as aunts and uncles. These families could often be found playing cards at each other’s houses, working on each other's projects, embarking on boating adventures, or simply supporting each other through the milestones of raising children. Many memories were made due to playful mischief and practical jokes that often took place between the families at “Lincoln Stinking Drinkers” block parties.

Chick moved to Cape Coral, Florida with his family in 1975, and founded Airmark Air Conditioning, Inc in 1982, which he operated alongside his wife until their retirement in 1995, when his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Peter Gerard, took over the family business.

Chick spent his early retirement years traveling with his wife in their RV to some of their favorite places, such as Stone Mountain, Maggie Valley, Key Largo, Disney Fort Wilderness and Sarasota. Chick and Jean were the very definition of True Love, and he remained steadfast and devoted to caring for her during her later years. He was a huge presence in all three of his grandchildren’s lives, who lovingly know him as their Pop-Pop. At the age of 84, he got to experience a lifelong dream of visiting Ireland with his family, where he explored the countryside and got to meet distant family members.

Chick continued to reside in the house he built with his wife, and could often be found watching old western movies, spending time with his cavalier king charles spaniels, walking across the street to have dinner with his daughter and son-in-law, keeping up with his great grandchildren’s sports, and occasionally enjoying a whisky sour, especially if it was made by his granddaughter. 

He is survived by his children, Gary (Candy), Sharon (Peter), Mark (Nina); grandchildren, Tara (Stephen), Ryan (Mistie), and Amber; great grandchildren, Mason and Eli; sister, Marilyn; as well as his niece, Susan (Anthony) and nephew, Paul (Shenelle).

Chick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia “Jean” Coyne; his parents, Helen and Charles Coyne; his daughter-in-law, Denise Coyne, and brother-in-law, Robert Bliven.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904 with military honors presented. Reception to follow at Sharon and Pete’s home in Cape Coral.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.