Ralph M. Coyne

December 6, 1939 — June 13, 2020

POWNAL

Ralph "Mousie" M. Coyne, born 6 December 1939 in Bennington, VT to William F. and Eleanor Mathers Coyne. He received most of his education in Bennington, VT at St Francis de Sales Academy and Bennington High School. He graduated with the last class at Cathedral High School in Burlington, Vermont in 1958.

Ralph joined the Navy after graduating and received his training at Great Lakes, IL. He then was stationed at the Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, then at the Naval Air Station in Naples, Italy. Upon returning to Bennington he worked at Horst Dairy, Ruskin's Taxi, custodian at Bennington Elementary school, the Vermont Veterans Home and 20 years at Vermont Container Corporation as a truck driver. After leaving Vermont Container he drove truck cross-country and retired in 1999 after being injured in an accident.

Ralph (known as Mouse) was a member of the Bennington Fire Department for 25 years, serving both in the Putnam Hose and Bradford Hook and Ladder Company where he was elected as President, Secretary and Foreman (now called Captain) for many years. He attended the Vermont State Fire Academy and became a Certified Fire Instructor, teaching throughout the state at fire schools.

With lots of help he designed and built the first mobile training unit for breathing apparatus for the fire service in the state.

In his early years Mouse coached Little League with Northeast Wood Products and A & W . He attended Umpire School in Williamsport, PA and became a certified instructor. He enjoyed fishing and camping on the White River and taking his nieces, nephews and friends hiking the Long Trail from the Massachusetts border to Camel's Hump in Burlington, VT.

Ralph is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Sweet and companion Bob Russell and Michele and Timothy Burdo, both of Pownal; five grandchildren, Tiesha Marie Sweet and companion Ethan Olin, Jacob Forcier, Dylan Russell, Kienan Burdo , Jacob Burdo; five great -grandchildren , Noah, Natalie, Nixon and Nyles Olin and Carter Forcier; a sister, Kathryn Brown of Randlett, OK; a brother, Thomas of Shaftsbury; his friend and companion of 50 years, Barb Hurley and children Tonia Moore and Kris Callaert and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was predeceased by eight siblings, Helena Powell, Mary Pat Livingston, Gertrude Estes,
Milton, John, Stephen, Gregory and Edward Coyne; by a granddaughter Ayden Burdo; and a nephew Carlton "Beaver" Coyne.

At Ralph's request there will be no services held. There will be a family gathering announced at a later date.

Should friends desire memorial contributions in Ralph Coyne's memory, they may be made to the American foundation of suicide prevention Capital Region walk for RITA Team: Roses 4 Ayden through the office of Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

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Ralph M. Coyne

December 6, 1939 — June 13, 2020

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