Francis Coyle

His life and sermons were guided by the Holy Spirit and though he was just as comfortable to operate behind the scenes, Frank was foremost in everyone’s heart. He led the flock at the first United Methodist Church in Riverside until 2008 and was a pastor for many other churches in the area for over 20 years. Earlier years found him teaching in Maple Shade and working as a guidance counselor and assistant principal at Burlington County Vocational School. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #146 in Riverside. Frank enjoyed long car rides and watching the Phillies and Eagles. He coached Riverside PAL softball; he may have had a losing record, but everyone had a blast. Frank served our nation during WWII; he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and had to stay stateside for a year before shipping out to Okinawa.

His teaching job in Maple Shade earned him more than a paycheck. It’s there that he’d meet a young Congetta Capparell. They’d marry, settle in his childhood home in Riverside and be blessed by three children: Allison King (Andrew), Beth Ann Goodwin (Tony) and Matthew. Though he may have been a softly when it came to discipline, he laid the foundation for their faith. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Alyssa. He loved watching her soccer games and always enjoyed sharing a little of his wisdom and stories with her.

Come celebrate 88 great years Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday 10 to 11 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside where there will be a service at 11. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 427, Riverside NJ.