GERALD COYNE
Gerald “Jerry” Coyne, 81, passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019.
Born on May 3, 1938, in Wheeling, WV, to the late Thomas Regis Coyne and Martha L. Coyne.
He leaves behind his loving companion of twenty plus years, Justina Gabbert, Brothers: Msgr. George Coyne, Richard Coyne (Janet), Timothy Coyne (Nancy) and sister Agnes “Renee” (Coyne) Wilkins.
Jerry was passionate about the Dairy Queen brand from an early age. In high school, be started working on the clean-up crew at a local Dairy Queen. He went on to become a District Store Manager, and the Western Regional Distribution Manager for American Dairy Queen Corporation. Eventually he became the franchise owner of three DQ locations in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Jerry volunteered as a director for the Dairy Queen Operations’ Association for 25 years, working tirelessly to improve the lives of his DQ family. Through his leadership as President and Treasurer, Jerry was instrumental in the formation of the Dairy Queen Operators Cooperative. Jerry retired from the board in 2004 and was named Director Emeritus. In addition to the time he devoted on the national board, Jerry also served his local franchisee members of the North Eastern Store Owners Association. Jerry held numerous NESO leadership positions including the associations’ Executive Secretary and Treasurer. His countless contributions to the Dairy Queen system will forever be remembered and appreciated.
Jerry served in the Army reserve, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a respected member of the community. Most of his contributions to various community organizations were made anonymously, never wanting to draw attention to himself.
Visitation will be held in Martinsburg at Brown Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A second visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Bridgeport, Ohio. A Christian Burial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. celebrated by Msgr. George Coyne and Fr. John Mucha as celebrants.
Internment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, WV. Wilson Funeral Home, Bridgeport, assisting the family.