Monroe Township, NJ – Ronald J. Coyne Sr., 85, lovingly known to all as “Pa” and “Whitey,” passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of deep love, steady support, and cherished presence that will live on in the hearts of his family forever.
Ronald was born on Oct. 6, 1940, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Joseph and Florence Coyne. He grew up grounded in values that defined him throughout his life. He was thoughtful, generous, funny, loyal, and those qualities shaped not only his life but the lives of everyone who loved him. After graduating from high school, he built a successful career as the owner of a collection agency.
Alongside his professional life, he was a lifelong Standardbred horse owner, a passion that brought him great joy and a deep connection with his son throughout the years.
Above all, Ronald was devoted to his family. He shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Terry “Ma” Coyne, and together they built a family that became his greatest pride and purpose. He is survived by Terry; his children Ronald (Regina) Coyne, Diane (Gerard) Brown, and Kelly Romano (Jimmy Klimkoski); his sister Arlene (the late Richard) Calabro; his godson Brian (Kayla) Calabro; his grandchildren Kristen Coyne, Nicole Gonzalez, Connor Brown, Keegan Brown, and Kelsea Brown; and his great-grandchildren Isabella, Oliver, and Cecelia Gonzalez.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Coyne.
To his family, he was simply Pa, the heart of everything. What mattered most to him was time with those he loved. He never missed a moment that mattered. He was there for every horse race, every birthday, every sports game, every graduation, every celebration, and every milestone. He would travel hours just to show up, because being there for his family was his greatest joy and his way of showing love.
Every one of us felt deeply loved and supported by Pa. His presence in our lives was constant and steady, a source of comfort and strength. He made it a point to remind us how much we were loved and how proud he was of each of us. His encouragement was unwavering, and he wanted nothing more than for all of us to find happiness and love in our lives. The relationships he built with his family were a true gift, and the time we shared with him will always be among our most treasured memories.
Ronald had a lifelong love of horses and horse racing and enjoyed spending time at OTB. He also loved watching television and bowling. In his younger years, he played basketball and baseball, and his love of sports stayed with him throughout his life, especially in cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines.
He had an incredible sense of humor that filled every room with laughter. He made it his mission to make his grandkids smile, and his warmth, generosity, and joy will never be forgotten. Pa’s love will remain with us always. His voice, his laughter, and the way he made each of us feel so important will stay in our hearts forever. We will carry his love forward in everything we do.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Wednesday (May 13) at Lester Memorial Home, 16 West Church Street, Jamesburg, N.J. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at noon. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Burial Park and MSLM at 12:45 p.m. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.