Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
David Coynik Obituary
Born: November 17, 1946 in La Salle, IL
Died: August 14, 2023 in Peru, IL
Dr. David Joseph Coynik, Lowell resident and dermatologist, filmmaker, teacher and author, died Thursday, August 17th, at Liberty Village of Peru. He was 76 years old.
Dr. Coynik is survived by his cousins Jane (Terrando) Buckner and Tom Terrando of Texas; Mary (Terrando) Root of Georgia; Julie (Terrando) Striebel of Ohio; and David Hart, Daniel Hart and Michael Hart of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Inez M. (Terrando) Coynik; his father, Frank M. Coynik; and his partner, Dr. Leonard F. Papiez.
Dr. Coynik attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and served as an intern from 1976 to 1977 at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. He fulfilled his residency in Dermatology from 1978 through 1981 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, before establishing his Dermatology practice in his native Illinois Valley in the 1980s.
Prior to medical school, Dr. Coynik was an amateur filmmaker, author and teacher of film and the performing arts. He wrote and published two books on the subject-"Moviemaking, A Worktext for Super 8 Film Production", Loyola University Press, 1974; and "Real to Reel", Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1976-both of which were used as textbooks in secondary and post-secondary film production courses. Coynik taught film in several Chicago-area high schools and small colleges.
Services for Dr. Coynik are set for 1 p.m. Saturday, August 26th at the Ptak Funeral Home in Peru, IL. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 12 Noon.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Coynik
Sponsored by Ptak Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Bill Masterson
July 14, 2025
I'm almost 2 years late learning of David's passing. Before leaving Chicago for Chicago in 2016 David was a friend and my dermatologist for 35 years. Leonard was a friend also. He was a good human being and excelled at everything he attempted. My condolences, late as they are, to family and friends.
KIMBERLY NICOLE (formerly TABOR)
January 5, 2024
David recognized that I was a visual communicator while taking a freshman honors speech class, and lent me a film camera to see what I could/would do. Beginning with a stop-frame animation at 15 y.o., that subsequently aired on ABC Chicago, I went on to become a Network News videographer, later starting my own video production company, that ultimately led me to become a director/cinemtographer, and after a life-changing injury, to become Engineer in Charge or Sr. Video for a variety of syndicated, network, documentary and corporate productions.
Rest in Peace, David Coynik.
Donald J Tidwell
October 12, 2023
Knew David a long, long time he was such a kind and loving friend we lost touch with each other 20 years ago but always found a way to check up on each other. He was my dermatologist for many years while in Chicago, the loss of his partner was the beginning of the end as he never really recovered. Find peace David you will be missed. Don
Pat
October 12, 2023
Sadly found out today, Dave passed away. Cannot say enough good things about him. Brilliant enough to graduate medical school with honors, Monty Python & movie fan and good friend. Wishing him some long overdue peace. Cheers my friend.
Randy and Robin Swift
September 29, 2023
Dave was a friend, neighbor and Randy was a patient for many years. Wonderful eclectic man, with many talents. He will be greatly missed by all that new him.
BJ Havens
September 6, 2023
He was my mother's dermatologist; she thought very highly of him.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in David Coynik's name
Memorial Events
for David Coynik
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Coynik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
