Michael Thomas Coyle

Michael Thomas Coyle was peacefully carried away in the arms of the Angels on April 22, 2024. May God grant him eternal Peace.

He was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1947, to his late parents, Margaret M. (Flaherty) and William J. Coyle, who raised their offspring with neverending love and instilled in them morals, respect, value of hard work, and - above all, family togetherness.

After receiving his diploma from St. Mary's High School in Waltham, he was drafted into the United States Army on October 11, 1966, barely 19 years old. His Basic Training completed, he was selected to Commission as Officer and graduated Transportation Officer Candidate School in Fort Eustis, Virginia on August 29, 1967. Michael served as a Cobra AH1 Pilot, member of the 235th Armed Helicopter Company (aka Delta Devils) in Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam from July 1969 to July of 1970, in the rank of Captain. He distinguished himself by earning numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal (10 Oak Leaf Clusters); National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14); and the Berlin Occupation Medal.

Upon completing his Tour in Vietnam, Michael was assigned an Intra Theater Transfer (ITT) to Berlin, Germany, where he served in the 1st Aviation Brigade. In May of 1972, he became the US Army Port Operations Officer in Bremerhaven, Germany. There his charismatic self pursued and finally captured the attention of Anne-Rose (Walper), who was working as a Local National for the US Armed Forces. They were married on December 22, 1975, by the Mayor of the small town of Langen, Germany (Anne-Rose's home), followed by a celebration at Guesthouse Henken - complete with an Oompah Band and attended by dear loved ones, both Germans and Americans who - despite a language barrier - presented them a night to remember.

Michael resigned from military service in October of 1973 to pursue a career in Ocean Marine Insurance, ultimately leading them on a journey from Bremerhaven to Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Rutherford, New Jersey (8 years); Chicago, Illinois (20 years); ending in Boston, Massachusetts (10 years). He made a name for himself by being fair and honest, always lending an ear, and always ready to share and employ his knowledge of the industry - and then some - to arrive at the best possible solution for all. If he could not close a deal, it could not be done. His retirement in June of 2015 raised the question of where to spend the Golden Years. The winter of the previous year had brought a total snowfall of more than 14 feet, and he decided - enough is enough! We need to move south! After having spent a wonderful vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina years prior, Michael and Anne-Rose settled on Morehead City, on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. When people inquired why Morehead City, he would reply (with a twinkle in his Irish eyes): Well, we left Boston to head for warmer weather, with a snow shovel tied to the hood of the car - and when we encountered the first person to point at it and ask "what is that?", we decided to stay right then and there.

Michael was happiest when in the company of family and friends. Countless get-togethers (not to forget the famous yearly rib fests) in Massachusetts reunited family members, and he was very proud of having accomplished that. Despite working stressful jobs, he always found time for his children and their needs, whether it was attending dance recitals or coaching Little League. The arrival of his beautiful grandchildren boosted his energy. To his grand-nephews, he was known as "The Captain". To our neighbors' children here in North Carolina, he was known as Mr. Mike and Mr. Raccoon. And how he loved the wild birds! Feeding them became a daily ceremony. They were spoiled. Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Raisins, cut-up fruit - any leftovers were devoured by other critters, including the raccoons. And although he claimed that he was never a cat lover, he adored all the ones that found a home with them via his children.

We celebrate this man, we celebrate his spirit, his faithfulness, his big heart, his many accomplishments, his steadfastness, his love for his country, for life and family. Michael is survived by his wife Anne-Rose; his son Sean and wife Kelly (Warwick); and his beautiful grandchildren Sophie and Rowan, who will so miss their Opa. Michael is also survived by his brothers Brian (Patricia), David (Mame); his sisters Peggy (Scott) Shanks and Mary (Vishnu) Nevrekar; many adored nieces and nephews and their loved ones.

Waiting in Heaven for him are his precious twin girls, Ashley and Caitlin; his dear parents; his brothers Robert, William, Bernard, Stephen; his sister Michelle; and all his four-legged buddies.

Our heartfelt thank-you goes out to the compassionate staff at Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport; to Dr. Lance Sweeney and his awesome team at the Morehead City VA Outpatient Clinic; to all of his wonderful caretakers at Carteret Healthcare in Morehead City; and to the most supportive family and friends who eased the pain of letting him go.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City on Tuesday, April 30th at 11 a.m. A second Celebration of Life will follow at a later date, with interment at Mt. Feake Cemetery in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he will be resting among fellow soldiers.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.