Ronald J. Coyle

Ronald J. Coyle, 74 of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 at his home, of natural causes.  He was born in Lancaster to Pauline (Martzall) Alves and Charles Coyle.  Upon his father’s death he went to live for a time with foster parents, the Rev. John and Elizabeth Hamester of Philadelphia.  He was a graduate of Solanco HS, 1961, York Jr. College, 1963, and earned the M. Ed. from Millersville Teachers’ College in 1972.  He served for a short time in the United States Air Force.

He was a former member of St. John Lutheran Church, Lancaster, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Lancaster, since 2001, where he served faithfully as assistant sexton and groundskeeper.

After a career as a schoolteacher, Ron ran a simple yard maintenance business, serving many clients in the city and surrounding areas.  He was known widely in Lancaster for battling litter and weeds wherever he found them!  Ron owned an extensive collection of paintings and was a student of history, particularly art history, and a member of the Lutheran Historical Society.

He is survived by his brother, Arthur S. Coyle of Norfolk, VA, and sister-in-law Beatrice White, a niece, Mariane Ingles, a nephew, James Coyle, and several foster siblings.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service at Grace Lutheran Church, 517 North Queen Street, Lancaster, as part of the regular Sunday service on Sept. 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Verkouw officiating.  After the service, a brief reception will be followed by interment in the Memorial Garden of Grace Church.

Contributions may be made in Ron’s memory to Grace Lutheran Church at the above address.