Francis R. Coyne, 80, lawyer, medical executive

Francis R. Coyne, 80, a lawyer and former executive at what is now the Magee Rehabilitation unit of Jefferson Health Systems, died Friday, May 25, of kidney failure at his home in Drexel Hill.

Mr. Coyne was executive vice president at Magee from 1978 to 1992, chief operating officer there from 1980 to 1992, and director of development from 1990 to 1992, his son Francis R. Jr. said in a Tuesday phone interview.

"He was an advocate of patients' rights and the Americans With Disabilities Act," his son said.

Born in Lansdowne, Mr. Coyne graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1949, earned a bachelor's degree in political science at what is now St. Joseph's University in 1953, and served on the university's board of governors in 1981.

"He was a pillar of St. Joseph's Preparatory School from the day he entered until his last," his son said. For the Prep, "he was a perennial and generous donor to pursuits both academic and athletic."

Mr. Coyne graduated from Temple University Law School in 1956 and took courses in rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital in 1972 and 1973, his son said, because "his family was always involved in medicine."

Mr. Coyne had maintained a private law practice out of his home office since 1956 and was appointed to a 1972-73 term as the solicitor for Collingdale Borough.

He cofounded with William Staas what is now the Jay Sigel Invitational Golf Tournament at Aronimink Golf Club, his son said. The tournament, which benefits prostate cancer research, was originally a Magee Rehab fund-raiser, he said.

Mr. Coyne had been vice commander of the American Legion Post in Manoa since 1989 and a member of the VFW post in Sea Isle City since 1979. His son said that, although Mr. Coyne never served in the military, he was an honorary member of both posts.

He was president of the Holy Name Society at St. Bernadette parish in Drexel Hill in 1968, president of its Home and School Association in 1969, and treasurer and manager of the Llanerch Hills Little League Baseball Association from 1964 to 1979.

Besides his son Francis, Mr. Coyne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellyn; sons Matthew and Andrew; a sister; and nine grandchildren.

A visitation was set from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, at St. Bernadette Church, 1035 Turner Ave., Drexel Hill, before an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass there, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.