Leonard J. Coyne

Leonard J. Coyne (Lenny) of Manhasset. Age 56. Beloved husband of Barbara. Loving son of Dhalma and the late Anthony. Loving brother of Lawrence and Pierre. Beloved Uncle to his many Nieces and Nephews.

Lenny Coyne has left our world, but we will never forget him. Lenny was born in New York City, and raised in Puerto Rico. He had a varied background, growing up listening to a mix of Broadway soundtracks, Beethoven, Johnny Cash, and the Fania All Stars. Lenny was an excellent trumpet player at a young age. He was a teen-aged star in the Old San Juan Jazz Band. He also played varsity basketball during his freshman year in high school. His deep theological upbringing included the Roman Catholic, Wesleyan, and Byzantine traditions, art, and music.

Lenny's first exposure to German culture was through his dad, Tony, who was a fluent German speaker and a lover of all good things Deutsche. Later Lenny would meet his lovely wife, Barbara, under an Oktoberfest tent, and the rest is history!

Lenny loved all things Disney. He and Barbara had a Fairy Tale Wedding in Disney World in 1998. They often took their friends and family on trips to the Magic Kingdom. Lenny was able to merge the beauty and depth of German traditions with the sheer fun and excitement of the Disney experience; the movie Enchanted is an excellent example. Within a few short years he earned the trust and love of many members of the New York and the national media, earning his beloved German-Americam Steuben Parade the publicity it so much deserves and taking the U.S. National Masskrugstemmen Championship in Central Park to where it is today.

Lenny loved to include as many of his friends and traditional groups in all of the events which he promoted. He mentored, he taught, and he encouraged for no personal gain other than the joy of helping another.

Lenny, you are and always will be: A Leader, Optimist, Master of Ceremonies, producer, Promoter, storyteller, caretaker, animal lover, devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, Adventurist, performer, jokester, Lover of all things Disney, 'The Buzz Lightyear,' and schuhplattler. An unbeatable zest for life, kind, gentle, lighthearted goodness. Always the first to hit the ground running and never look back. Larger than life. Keeper of the light. Once on board, you gave your all and were all in. You will truly be missed. You are George Bailey!

The Lord tells us, come as far as you can, and I will meet you there to bring you over the finish line. Lenny Coyne, your humble spirit touched the lives of thousands of people. You went further than most. Surely, Lenny, the Lord has met you, and He is taking you into His kingdom. The happiest of times have been with you. Until we meet with you again, you will always be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Lenny's name to:

The Lustgarten Foundation, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797
www.lustgarten.org/
(envelopes will be provided during services)

Or

The German American Committee of Greater NY
117 Meadow Street, Garden City, NY 11530