Obituary of John "Deacon" Coye

John “Deacon” Coye, 68, passed away on January 1, 2021 at Cortland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by wife Nancy (Granato) Coye, their cat Bella, Stepdaughter Stephanie Ribble and her wife Lorraine Risucci, brother Gerald (Debbie) Coye of Saratoga, NY, brother Craig (Loretta) Coye of Murrells Inlet, SC, sister Terry (Andrew) Palm, sister Mary (Duane) Robillard both of Cortland, NY. Also, brother-in-law Richard Granato of Auburn, NY and Aunt Aline Coye of Fabius, NY, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Helen (Johnson) Coye. He also leaves behind several friends who spent so much time on Broadway; including 3 special friends, Joe Burns, Tim Sheridan, and Jeff Lieber. Deacon graduated from Cortland High School in 1970. He was a former member of the Cortland Elks Club. He retired from SUNY Cortland in 2015. Deacon loved to spend hours on projects, taking time to make sure everything was perfect. Deacon and Nancy loved spending weekends golfing, gardening, grilling, listening to music, dancing and always rooting for the Cleveland Browns. They loved their many vacations to their favorite spots, Lake George, Saratoga Race Track, Atlantic City, and Key West. Deacon had a great sense of humor. His laugh came easy and what a great laugh he had. We will hold tight to all the great memories of Deac and he will forever be in our hearts. The family would like to thank the staff at Whispering Pines, Cortland Park Nursing & Rehab Center for their kindness and care they gave to Deacon and his Family. There will be no calling hours. The family will plan a celebration of life in the Spring. Donations can be made in his memory to the Whispering Pines, Cortland Park Nursing & Rehab Center or to the Alzheimer's Association of Central New York.