Captain Donald Joseph “Joe” Coyle
(1937-2025)
Joe was born March 9, 1937 to James R. and Sarah J. (Brinegar) Coyle. He attended Elder High School and Central High School, graduating in 1955.
Three months later, in September 1955, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1955 and was based with the 1st Marines in Camp Pendleton as an Infantry Rifleman and in the Military Police. By July 1957, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, then Corporal by October 1957. Corporal Coyle was honorably discharged in September 1958.
For seven years, Joe worked for the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company.
About 1964, he joined the Cheviot Police Department as a parttime Patrolman.
Patrolman Coyle joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff on January 6, 1966. He attended the Cincinnati Police Division’s 46th Recruit Class, graduated on July 5, 1966, was promoted to Patrolman in the Hamilton County Patrol Division, and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In 1972, he was assigned as a Traffic Safety Officer. Patrolman Coyle’s name appeared often in newspapers for traffic investigations and arrests, usually pursuant to descriptions of cars with little information. In January 1970, he found a parked vehicle, investigated, and arrested its four occupants for a recent Burglary. He was thereafter nominated for the Best Overall Investigative Job Leading to Solution of Crimes at the annual Police Appreciation and Achievement Awards Banquet during Police Week in May 1970. He was also nominated for the Emil J. Otting Award at the Annual Hamilton County Police Association Banquet in January 1971. Patrolman Coyle was also an expert pistol shot.
On May 7, 1979 he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Division. He was in charge of various squads and attended various supervisory schools, including one of four top secondary law enforcement schools in the country, the Northwest University Traffic Institute. From 1988 to 1990, Sergeant Coyle was the Officer in Charge in District 2. He was promoted to Lieutenant on June 28, 1990 and commanded District 1, District 2, and the Marine Patrol and the Dive Team.
In May 1992 Lieutenant Coyle was assigned as Executive Officer to the Criminal Investigation Section Commander. His commander asserted that he was “the most effective and competent Executive Officer with whom I have ever worked.” On July 8, 1993, Lieutenant Coyle was promoted to Captain and Criminal Investigation Section Commander. After managing several notable investigations, Captain Coyle retired on February 1, 1999 with 38 years of service to his country, community, and county and numerous letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
Captain Coyle died on April 1, 2025 at the age of 88.
He was predeceased by his son, Timothy P. Coyle (2019), and siblings, Robert Coyle, James Coyle, and Jane Pille. Captain Coyle is survived by his wife of 63 years of Patricia “Pat” (Vlaikov) Coyle; children, Joseph Steven (Brenda) Coyle and retired Hamilton County Lieutenant Nicholas E. Coyle; grandchildren, Nicholas Coyle, James Coyle, and Abbey Coyle; and brother Michael Coyle.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM at St. Martin of Tours, 3720 St Martins Place in Cheviot. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph New Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY.
© 2025 – All rights are reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum.