Tribute Wall
Friday
27
January
Visitation at Funeral Home
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Friday, January 27, 2023
Koch Funeral Home
2401 S. Atherton St.
State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Saturday
28
January
Final Resting Place
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery
Country Club Rd.
State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Saturday
28
January
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
867 Grays Woods Blvd.
Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, United States
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Jim Forrest posted a condolence
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Dr. Coyle had a profound impact on my life and my career.
I first met him in the Spring of 1979 as I was visiting University Park as I was considering attending Penn State for graduate school. I stopped by unannounced to the Department of Business Logistics and asked if I could meet with a faculty member to ask some questions. When Dr. Coyle heard, he cleared his schedule to meet with me for about an hour. Our discussion covered my transportation work experience, my Bachelors in Transportation & Logistics, my interest in research, and my undergraduate advisor who he knew very well. He graciously answered all my questions regarding of the department, courses, research, and graduate assistantships. When I left his office, I knew then and there that I wanted to attend Penn State because I was so impressed with him and the program that he had built. A few months later after I had accepted and enrolled in Penn State, he reached out to me and offered me a full graduate assistantship. For the next two years, I had the opportunity to interact closely with him as I worked on a Transportation research study while pursuing my Masters degree. The research, data analysis, and computer programming skills that I developed during that assistantship turns out to have been the most instrumental to my professional career. These skills shaped my career path and have led to interesting and fulfilling work opportunities over the years.
Best of all, these skills led me back to Penn State to work closely once again with Dr. Coyle. In the Summer of 1998, while working for a startup consulting firm, I called him and asked if he would be interested in helping the U.S. Marine Corps fundamentally re-think how it conducted Logistics. He immediately said “yes” so I drove to University Park and met with him the next day to share my outline for a new type of Logistics Executive Education program. My idea was for a four-week program that would combine executive education on commercial best practices in Logistics each morning immediately followed that afternoon with workshop facilitation sessions to figure out how to apply these ideas in the Marine Corps. Together we designed the detailed program that day. We ultimately were awarded a contract to conduct this new type of executive education program in the Fall of 1998. The Marine Corps were so impressed with the results, for the next twenty years they sent thousands of Marine Logisticians to Penn State to attend the Marine Corps Logistics Education Program (MCLEP). All due to him graciously clearing his busy schedule in the Spring of 1979 to meet with a prospective graduate student.
We continued to keep in touch over the years with via Christmas cards, emails, and phone call updates on Penn State, my work, our growing families, etc. What I will remember most about him was not just the hugs, but what he always said as we ended a conversation. “Keep smiling!” In reflecting back, these two simple words reflected not only his optimistic attitude but his philosophy for how to deal with any life or career challenges.
I am very saddened to hear of his recent passing. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Dr. Coyle.
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Daniel posted a condolence
Monday, July 10, 2023
RiP! We had great email exchange over the years.i was a teaching assistant at PSU and had a section of his course!
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Raymond Heimbach posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
I am a Penn State graduate with a degree in Management, class of 1964. In 1961 as a sophomore and during John Coyle's first year on the faculty I enrolled in his transportation management course. The course, of course, later became known as business logistics and supply chain management. I fondly remember sitting in John's class to this day and I followed his career during his years at Penn state. He was a great teacher, a great guy and contributed much to Penn State.
Raymond Hembach
PSU Class of 1964
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Tim Sommer lit a candle
Saturday, June 3, 2023
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Dr Coyle was the professor of my first Business Logistics Course. I was not cut out to be an engineer ( calculus ) and was searching for a major to pursue. I clearly remember Professor Coyle saying in the first class “ think about this, everything that is made needs transported, every stage of production needs some form of transportation…..so why wouldn’t you want to be a logistics major ? Lifetime employment !” Made perfect sense to me . Dr.Coyle was a great teacher and motivator
My other memory is of Professor Coyle being a big fan and champion of Yuengling beer way before Yuengling was “ a thing “
He knew his beer !
Condolences and prayers for his Family
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Steve McAlexander lit a candle
Monday, January 30, 2023
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Dear Barbara and family. My prayers are with you and just wanted to let you know how John really impacted my life
He was the best professor I ever encountered and had the ability to make Logistics a living and real career.
I remember the first course in Logistics 101 and I was hooked....he was directly responsible for my Undergrad and Graduate degree in Logistics....and a career that followed in the same field.
We remained in touch and he invited me back to several business functions/programs...a highlight for me was at an annual Professional Logistics conference...he was my debate partner and we debated a Supply Chain Topic...it was one of the most attended and we were asked for a repeat performance at an Atlanta professional event.
I was a townie and he knew my family from State College High School...my dad was on faculty in Agriculture School..We had many good discussions and he was always proud of his family...
"Crowns in Heaven ....well done my good and faithful servant''....he really touched many people...a gifted orator and outstanding professor .....we will miss you but will see you again
God Bless
Steve McAlexander 1973 BS Logistics 1975 MS Logistics
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Charles H. Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
So very sad to learn of the passing of a Penn State alum and professor who devoted so much of his time in service to his Dear Old State.
John Coyle will be remembered as an Icon of the Smeal College of Business.
My sincerest and deepest condolences to John's family.
Charlie Smith
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Booker T Brooks posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
John's obituary stated that he especially enjoyed his assignment to mentor/audit/counsel/oversee athletics from the faculty perspective. That assignment allowed me to share that part of his duties. As a young assistant football coach, I can attest that he indeed did enjoy that assignment and his counsel did rub off on all of us. When you sit down to eat with a person many times you can solve many problems and develop leadership for the future. I always listened intently. During those unofficial talks I developed a warm feeling for the man inside that person. PSU will sorely miss his vision and leadership. May you rest in peace John.
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Joe Nicosia lit a candle
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
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I graduated in 1965 with a degree in Trade and Transportation now called Supply Chain Management. Johm Coyle was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. We remained friends and fellow board members until his unfortunate passing. John's counsel led me upon graduation to U.S. Navy supply school and then a wonderful and meaningful career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. My wife Janet and I send our deepest condolences to Barbara and family. Joe Nicosia
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Mike Hottenstein posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Hello Coyle family. John and I have a long history together. Both were in master’s program at Penn State and the doctoral program at IU. In both cases, I followed John by one year. I also joined faculty at Penn State a year later than John. Our kids are about the same age. John and I played poker in the same group and after retirement went to the same gym. John has always been a great colleague and friend. Hope to see the family on Friday but are working our way back to State College from South America. Bless you all. Mike Hottenstein
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Michael & Kathryn Coyle and Family purchased flowers
Monday, January 23, 2023
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With our heartfelt condolences,
Please wait
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Scott Gaston posted a condolence
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Dr. Coyle was my professor, a colleague and a mentor. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work with John on a few projects for the Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR). I enjoyed working with him so much because he was so kind and approachable. He was always willing to share his time and wisdom, which made any project seem doable. One of those CSCR projects ultimately resulted in my first post-MBA job, which I cannot thank John enough for.
Almost 25 years later, I am still in logistics and love it.
I will always remember his stories. Some of them I tell to this day, but I always give him the credit.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Scott Gaston
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Rian J Nemeroff lit a candle
Saturday, January 21, 2023
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Rian J Nemeroff posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
This news makes me so sad. I do not normally cry - but I did weep hearing about the death of Dr. Coyle who played a BIG role in my development, training and direction in my life career. I was a mediocre student at Penn State at a branch campus called Ogontz at the time. I came to University Park in 1974 with a choice to take an Insurance class or BLOG 101. What a life decision I made to take BLOG with Dr Coyle. This choice elevated my performance to an A/B student and passion for the pursuit. Even made Dean's List a few trimesters excelling in my Logistics classes. Dr. Coyle was a Rock-Star for our industry!!!! May the family be comforted that Dr John J Coyle is organizing the supply chain of heaven under the guidance of Almighty God.
I have three letters I am now rereading from Dr. Coyle to me from 1975 and 1976 motivating me to become a better student. I have no such letters from any other teacher or professor.
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Robert Zelis posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
Dr. Coyle was one of my favorite professors when I attended PSU in the 80's. I was fortunate to have more time with him years later as a Corporate sponsor of the Center for Supply Chain Research. He was an exceptional teacher and incredibly kind to me as a student and as a sponsor. He will be missed. His legacy will live on at Penn State as the founder of the Supply Chain school and in the many students lucky to have called him their teacher. My deepest condolences to his family.
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Richard Young posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
I knew John for over 30 years during which time he was my teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. He had so much to share whether it was effective classroom techniques, specific supply chain knowledge, ideas for research, or about life in general. Certainly he has left an indelible mark on my career and life in general. As I struggle with these words, it becomes obvious that it is impossible to name all of the impact that he had on my life as well as that of so many students, businesses, executive program participants, and athletes. He was always an inspiration and for that matter his memory will continue to be. God bless, John.
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Paul Delp posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
Like so many students, I was so lucky to have John as a friend, a mentor, and an advisor. Spring of my freshman year of 1962 Dr. Hadly Waters introduced me to my new academic advisor - Dr. John Coyle and from that first meeting I knew my college education would be so much better and my chances of graduating improved dramatically. After a not-so-pleasant trip to the Dean's office, John sat me down and told me what I had to do to make it to graduation and it worked. Thanks to John, I became a much better student after graduation.
My heartfelt condolences to Barbara, John, Susan, and family. We are all so fortunate that you shared John with us. Thank you.
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Charlene Morett Curtiss posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
My sincere condolences go out to Barbara, his children and grandchildren. John was such a positive presence in the athletic department when he became the Faculty Athletic Rep for Penn State to the NCAA. He was always so supportive of our student-athletes and coaches. John was all about finding ways to have our student athletes explore experiences outside athletics to become more well rounded. He always had time to chat, check up on life and simply make you feel good! I am so blessed that he was a part of my life at Penn State and that he touched so many people in this community. Love you John.
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Dennis Sheehan posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
John was simply one of the best at Smeal. Always upbeat. Always thinking. Always helpful. He leaves an extraordinary legacy.
Dennis Sheehan
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Kevin Hourican posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Dr. Coyle was my mentor, my professor, my boss, my advisor, my life and career coach, and my friend. I can count on one hand my life "board of directors", and John Coyle is on that list. I entered the logistics masters program because of John. I chose my first work company and job with John's sage advice. Throughout my career, I sought John's advice and counsel. In those conversations we always talked family, PSU sports, and our common bond over his tenure with PSU Athletics. We would eventually get to the business of things, but only after a laugh and a smile about our collective love for Penn State. John was an inspiration to me, and had a bigger impact on my life than he can ever imagine. I will be forever grateful and thankful for his mentorship and friendship. I can only hope that I will have an impact on others lives that is half as compelling as John's impact on mine.
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Gene and Stephanie Tyworth posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
John was distinguished pioneer of the study of supply chain management long before most academics and practitioners realized its strategic potential. He was an extraordinary and innovative teacher who directly touched the lives and careers of thousands of students. John was also my mentor and friend who helped make it possible for me, Stephanie, and our children to become part of the Penn State family and State College community since 1976. Stephanie and I send our deepest sympathy to Barbara, John Jr., Susan, and the family.
Gene and Stephanie Tyworth
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Peter Forster posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
John Coyle was one of the first faculty I met when I returned to work at PSU in 1986. Fortunate to work with him at distance ed and its successor the World Campus, John was an innovator, risk taker, & clairvoyant but always cared for people first. Whether in the old Smeal college building, athletic events or wegman’s as recently as last summer, John always greeted me with a hearty “how are you Peter” & a hug. A Penn Star icon and a friend who will be missed. Prayers & sympathies to his family on his passing
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Alan J. Stenger posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Barbara, John, Susan and families,
We are so sorry to learn of John's passing. He was a wonderful colleague, mentor, leader and teacher. He set the tone and culture for the Department of Business Logistics (now Supply Chain and Information Systems) from the day he became department head in 1972. It was put the students first and help them get jobs, then contribute to the intellectual development of the field!
We will miss him very much.
Alan and Mary Stenger
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David Demers posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Karen and I are forever grateful to your Dad. No other individual had the lifelong impact of John in our lives. He was involved in every pivotal turning point as a friend, Coach, teacher, guardian and inspiration.
John began by personally intervening in my application to PSU and provided a much needed teaching assistantship for my MBA. He guided me through every career choice decision. John served on the Board of my firm and helped me later pivot into joining PSU as an adjunct faculty member in Exec Ed. I had my greatest days with him co-leading programs and supporting the military efforts.
Perhaps most emblematic of his love and kindness to Karen and I, John acted as Shepard and guardian of Karen and my family while I struggled with two heart attacks down in SC in 2007. John cared for us as though my family was his family by coordinating all of the support they and I needed during that life or death challenge.
After I came back from a 6 month recovery cycle, John and Skip Grenoble got me back into the saddle of teaching on a trek to Okinawa for a Marine program. He wouldn’t forget to tell me how important it is to face into adversity and keep going.
We remained as great friends and I will continue to think of him as I teach in new ways as he did long after traditional retirement times. He guides me still in knowing the importance of family first.
I am only one of the many, many people John shaped as a living legacy of his gifts, presence and inspiring capabilities. Thank you for sharing him with me and all of us over a long lifetime of friendship well lived.
With love and gratitude to both John and his bride, Barbara.
David and Karen Demers
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Robin Stevens posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
I will never forget Dr. Coyle. He was such a huge influence on the students of this college. His dedication was unparalleled. He was so kind and respectful, so friendly and approachable . I really enjoyed working with him as did my staff at the time. What a great guy. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family of this wonderful man.
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Ken and Libby Lusht purchased flowers
Thursday, January 19, 2023
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With deepest sympathy
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Bruce Parkhill posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
So sad to learn of Johns passing.
I had the utmost respect for him. What a good man!
Heartfelt condolences to Barb and family.
Sincerely,
Bruce Parkhill
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Coyle
Thursday, January 19, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Koch Funeral Home
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