NORTH ATTLEBORO – Retired Detective Sergeant Brian F. Coyle (NAPD), 86, a lifelong resident of North Attleboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Leonie J. (Lalancette) Coyle, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was wed on October 3, 1959.
Born in North Attleboro, on January 16, 1937, he was a loving son of the late John D. Coyle, Sr. and Kathleen (Spillane) Coyle.
Brian grew up in North Attleboro and was a 1955 graduate of North Attleboro High School. He went on to attend Northeastern University in Boston.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served his country proudly for three years at U.S. bases and in Okinawa, Japan, having been honorably discharged on January 24, 1959 with the rank of Lance Corporal.
His 40-year tenure in the North Attleboro Police Department, included detective sergeant followed by an auspicious career in the Attleboro district judicial system as the longest serving police prosecutor, for which he would receive the first ever Lifetime Achievement award from the Attleboro District Court Bar Association.
A man of strong Catholic faith, he was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in North Attleboro.
Brian was a college sports fan and particularly enjoyed rooting for Boston College. Possessing a green thumb, he liked working in his yard, always doing his best to keep it aesthetically pleasing. An avid cyclist, he enjoyed riding long distances and was very proud to have been a part of the Rodman Ride For Kids in North Attleboro. His favorite times were those spent in the company of his adoring family, especially his grandchildren.
Besides his beloved wife of over 63 years, Leonie, he is survived by his devoted daughters: Lisa C. Gallagher and her husband Michael of North Attleboro and Patricia C. Gay and her husband Peter, of Attleboro. He leaves his cherished grandchildren: Brian Gallagher and his wife Nicole, Kerrin Gallagher and her fiancé Mark Sousa, and Bridget Gay. He was the dear brother of Anne Johnson and her husband Robert of Narraganset, RI, Michael Coyle and his wife Sandra of North Attleboro and was the brother-in-law of Anita Coyle of North Attleboro. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews to mourn his passing.
He was the brother of the late Ret. Chief John D. “Jack” Coyle, Jr. (NAPD), Timothy F. “Tippy” Coyle (NAFD) and his wife Cynthia Coyle.
A time for visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 4 until 7 PM in the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11 AM in Sacred Heart Church (Transfiguration of the Lord Parish), 58 Church Street, North Attleboro, with the Reverend David Costa officiating. Interment with United States Marine Corps and North Attleboro Police Department honors will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Attleboro Falls. Relatives and friends are most warmly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Brian’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org.