Star Wars: The Loss of a Jedi (Episode X)

In a galaxy far far away…

…there lived a Master Jedi who was beloved and admired by Jedi and padawans of all ages. Stephen Thomas Coyle, as he was often referred to by those who knew him best, lived a life that was full with joy, family, friends, and adventure. There was never a dull moment with him around. Sarcastic, knowledgeable, loyal and loving was he.

It is with profound sadness that this council announces that he became one with the Force on December 30, 2025 at the age of 69, after a courageous battle against the dark side of illness.

Born on December 9, 1956 to Robert and Mary Coyle, Stephen quickly fell in love with riding dirt bikes, racing cars, and getting into mischief, but it was on August 14th, 1982 that his greatest adventure began.  This is when he married the love of his life, Donna: the Leia to his Han, the sun to his moon, his one true soulmate.  They had a love that endured hardships and strife but never bent nor broke. Together they raised their two children, Rebecca and Stephen Jr.  From fishing trips to Canada, to coaching hockey, to teaching his children skills like how to drive or pitch a softball - he showed his devotion to them not with words, but with action.  His consistent presence and love for his family grew stronger day by day. The Force was strong with this one and not to be reckoned with.

Always a Master and an Apprentice, he demonstrated the wisdom of Master Yoda through his work as a head operator at Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery and inspired those around them to "Do or do not, there is no try".  After 43 years of dedicated service, he retired to the sunny and warm planet of Florida in December 2018.  There he enjoyed fishing, perfecting his skills at the range, watching football or hockey, being active in his HOA, and, quite often, discussing galactic events and the finer points of lightsaber combat. He enjoyed the occasional trip to Disney World and Universal and cherished nights sitting out back with his loving friends Tyler Benoit and Jessica Whitney, who became family and so much more.  He was a mentor to many, and all who had the fortune to meet him were met with his warmth and a sarcastic comment or two.

Stephen was a devoted and beloved spouse of 43 years to Donna (Jones) and a guiding galactic star to his children, Rebecca Hewitt and husband David and Stephen Coyle Jr. and wife Gina, along with his grandbabies: Savannah, Fiona, Alice, and Sabrina. He has never been more proud of his family and his love for them burns brighter than any supernova in any galaxy, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to grow beyond him, for "We are what they grow beyond".

The Force continues to flow through his wife, children, grandbabies, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mary Coyle, and fellow Jedi Warrior and cousin Wendy Groome.

In lieu of services, we take comfort in knowing that Stephen has become one with the Force.  May we carry him with us on all the adventures that have yet to come.

This is the way.

"For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous being we are, not this crude matter." -Yoda