Passing of distinguished Mayo-born physician in Boston

The death has taken place in Boston of John Vincent Coyle, formerly of Chapel Street, Castlebar, and Ballyheane.

John, known to all as Vinny, lived a life anchored in family, generosity and quiet strength of faith.

He passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounding by his family.

He will be remembered for his deep devotion to family, his steady determination, his striking blue eyes, and the mellifluous Irish accent that could instantly draw people in and hold them there.

Vinny was born on March 28, 1934, in Castlebar, to John V. Coyle and Mary Ellen Coghill.

He had a happy childhood and later regaled his children with stories of his adventures throughout the county -- running through the fields, climbing the trees, and swimming in the sea with his friends – often weaving in Irish mythology to embellish the tales. His four children were endlessly mesmerized.

He attended St. Gerald’s College, where he excelled academically and athletically.

Vinny played Gaelic football, rugby and soccer, earning All-Ireland status in multiple sports.

Upon graduating, he headed to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania.

One of his professors saw his aptitude for science and encouraged him to return to Ireland to take up medicine.

Back in Dublin, Vinny literally walked into the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI), where he was immediately awarded a scholarship to pursue his medical degree.

The five years he spent at RCSI were among his happiest: studying medicine, playing rugby, and forming lifelong friendships.

In 2003, he was honoured with the prestigious RCSI Distinguished Graduate Award.

It was during this time that he met Deirdre McGrath.

Their marriage was a storybook romance and a lifelong adventure, envied by many - he always said how lucky he was.

Together they built a happy, joyful life for themselves and their children - MaryEllen Browne, Deirdre Coyle, Catherine Coyle Fross, and John Coyle - across Ireland, Boston, Cape Cod, Naples, Florida and beyond.

Vinny was immensely proud of his children and deeply involved in their lives. He never missed an important event or game, and his children cherished that he was always there.

After graduating, he was recruited by the United States to complete his medical residency training at the Lahey Clinic and Boston City Hospital.

Vinny entered medicine as a true vocation. He loved being a physician - and was beloved in return by patients and colleagues wherever he practiced.

In 1972, he became the youngest physician ever appointed Chief of Medicine at Quigley Memorial Hospital.

He also served as Director of Medical Education and was appointed a clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and Tufts School of Medicine, while holding teaching roles at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the New England Medical Center.

Throughout his career, he remained deeply committed to medical education, with particular emphasis on the importance of the doctor-patient relationship to overall health.

With four children in private schools and college on the horizon, he expanded his medical expertise into insurance medicine, taking a position as Medical Director at Sun Life of Canada Insurance.

In 1991, he fully transitioned into the insurance industry, becoming a Vice President at Sun Life, where he remained until his retirement.

Retirement allowed Vinny an opportunity to pursue more of his passions, most notably his role with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A).

He first became involved with the organisation in 1973, was appointed to the Board of Governors in 1984, served as president from 2000 to 2004, and later became an Emeritus Board member.

He was deeply committed to maintaining the standard of excellence the Boston Marathon is known for, as well as expanding the important role the B.A.A. plays in the international marathon community.

He travelled widely to marathons around the world, championed programmes for urban youth runners and American Olympic hopefuls and played a key role in developing the marathon’s renowned medical services.

During the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, Vinny jumped into action to triage the injured and provide care that directly saved lives.

Eventually, his lifelong passion for the B.A.A. entwined with his passion for the RCSI, and he championed a program to bring RCSI students over to run the Boston Marathon in the spirit of fellowship and global camaraderie.

Over 27 years, close to 300 students have run the Boston Marathon, leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations.

In his spare time, Vinny could be found on Cape Cod, enjoying the sweeping views of Nantucket Sound, or on the fairways of the Wianno Club.

A fierce competitor, Vinny went on to win many golf tournaments, including the coveted Club Championship.

Vinny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Deirdre Coyle, his older brother, Joseph and his sisters, Catherine and May.

He is survived by his children and his grandchildren - MaryEllen’s children, Nicholas and Isabel, and John’s children, Jack, Aedan, and Libby. He felt blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law, Karen, John’s wife, and a devoted son-in-law, Stuart, Catherine’s husband.

He held deep affection for his nieces and nephews - Michelle, Darren, and Caroline Coyle, as well as Noel and Alan Hynes - and for his many cousins, including the Dillons. He also loved dearly his wife’s family – the McGraths and Wrens.

He was never happier than when his entire family, including the many beloved family dogs, gathered together to enjoy the golden summers on Cape Cod.

A celebration of life in Vinny’s honour will take place next Spring.

He has been laid to rest in Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery, Pine Street, Centerville, Maryland.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his family in Castlebar and Ballyheane on their loss.