Robert K. Coyle

Robert K. Coyle RUTLAND — Robert Kane Coyle died on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Born in Old Bennington, VT, he was the son of Mary and Richard Coyle. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut School of Insurance. His career in insurance began at the Resolute Insurance Group in Hartford, CT. Then he became a Systems Supervisor in the Group Claims Department of Aetna Life & Casualty. Thereafter he was drafted into the U.S. Army and faithfully served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Aetna as a senior management consultant. Later he became Vice President and General Manager of Kinney, Pike, Bell and Conner Insurance in Rutland, VT. He received his CIC professional designation and his CPCU. He served on the Insurance Company Advisory Board for CIGNA, Aetna Personal Lines, Aetna Commercial Lines, Royal, New Hampshire Group, and the Continental Insurance Company. He moved on to become the Executive Director of VIAA, Vermont Insurance Agents Association, and remained in that position until his retirement when he was awarded the prestigious Brigham/Alfred Award by VIAA in recognition of his outstanding Contributions to The American Agency System. Membership in organizations included the Board of Directors of Independent Insurance Agents of America, State National Director of Independent Insurance Agents of Vermont, President of Independent Insurance Agents of VT, founding member of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Chapter of CPCU, Board of Directors of VT Insurance Institute, BISHCA CE Advisory Board, Past President of Rutland Lions Club, United Way Volunteer, past Corporator of the Rutland Savings Bank, past member of the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation, Supporter of the Rutland Free Library and the Paramount Theater, Corporator of the Rutland Regional Medical Center, member of DAV, Vietnam Veterans Association, and the American Legion, Post 31. For several years he enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing, golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, boating, dancing, traveling, reading, gardening, and dining out with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Coyle, sister Diann Silvia, brother-in-law Walter, niece and three nephews, grandnieces and nephews, goddaughter Ryley Skog, godson Mark Worsman, sisters-in-law Christine and MaryAnn, several cousins, friends, and dear college buddies. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Karen Skog and Nancy Raymond, godson Chad Skog, brother-in-law Henry, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law. He will be remembered for a quiet strength and dignity that was admired by all who knew him. Visiting hours will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Clifford Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Burial will take place in the Spring in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the University of Connecticut, or a charity of one's choice.