Thomas Joseph Coyle Jr.

Thomas Joseph Coyle, Jr.

Age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 27, 2025. Tom was born in Camden, NJ on February 24, 1947 to the late Thomas J. Coyle, Sr. and Mary A. (nee Crowson). Tom was raised in Audubon, NJ and a 1965 graduate of Audubon High School where he was a catcher and captain of his baseball team. Baseball took him out west to Dickinson State College where he earned a BS in Education and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. Upon graduation, he embarked on a 51 year teaching career starting at Oxford Academy in West Atlantic City. Belhaven Avenue School in Linwood, NJ is where he truly made his mark in education and athletics. From 1971-2002 Tom taught physical education and health, was athletic director, girls basketball coach and held various positions in the Linwood Education Association. Upon his first retirement, he was a leader in education at St. Augustine Prep where he taught history, worked in college guidance, and coached basketball. Here Tom retired again, but not for long…Our Lady of Mercy Academy became his new home. Tom dressed to impress while instilling moral values and living out his lesson plans always demonstrating kindness and respect. He made his home in Absecon with his high school sweetheart Mary Ann (nee Downs) where he became a prominent member of the community for over 30 years. He was a member of City Council for 12 years where he also served as president. He served the community as a youth football, baseball, and softball coach. He's famous for teaching swimming lessons to a large number of the Atlantic County youth. He was a social and active member of the Legion Post #28 where he held court, especially on Wednesday night while bartending. Tom cherished those days and memories. He managed and emceed the Absecon Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Tom and his wife, Paula (nee Annise) resided in Egg Harbor Twp. where he continued his community involvement as a board member and director at McCulloughs Emerald Links. Tom also hosted The Mary Ann Coyle Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of his late wife supporting those affected by breast cancer. His love of sports continued at Absegami High School as assistant girls basketball coach. Family was the utmost importance to Tom. He had the gift of making everyone he encountered feel special. He loved spending his free time golfing and fishing. He was known to be influential in the lives of many because of his deeply intentional relationships. He cherished all his relationships, especially the ones he had with the students that he taught and coached. He made people feel truly valued. He extended himself in every capacity, a generous sweet soul with the patience of a saint. Tom enjoyed watching sports, Phillies, Eagles, and of course his grandchildren. Known as a generational lifelong Notre Dame football fan, he rooted for the Irish through thick and thin. Go Irish! Tom is survived by his wife of 12 years, Paula Coyle (nee Playo); his three children, Kimberly Monteleone (Jim), T.J. Coyle (Samantha), Brian "Bear" Coyle (Brooke); and Step-Son, Angelo Playo (Melanie); siblings, Dennis Coyle (Ginny) and Sharyn Reed (late Walt Reed); grandchildren, Colin, Colby, Patrick, and Drew; step-grandchildren, Angelo Jr., and Pia, his dog, Baci, and many generations of loved ones, life-long friends who he celebrated life with in so many ways. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Thomas J. Coyle, Sr. and Mary A. Coyle (nee Crowson) of Audubon, NJ; his loving wife of 37 years, Mary Anne Coyle (nee Downs); and his son-in-law, Chris Felix. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Tom's memory to Our Lady of Mercy Academy: Tuition Assistance Fund, 1001 Main Road, Newfield, NJ 08344. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 31st at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Wabash Ave., Linwood from 9 to11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor