Alan Richards Coyne

Alan Richards Coyne, 85, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., died Sept. 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 3, 1940, in Yonkers, N.Y., to Frank Holder Coyne and Pauline Newman Coyne.

Alan was a humble, generous, and kindhearted man who gave freely of himself. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued and loved. Through his kindness, humor and generosity, he touched countless lives.

Alan graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and earned his Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, after which he was admitted to the New York Bar.

His adventurous spirit led him to spend two years in the Peace Corps, in the fishing village of La Caleta de San José, Peru, where he is remembered fondly for the friendships he built and the impact of his work.

Alan moved to Chicago and became a member of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. There he married Deanna Joan Donaldson in 1973. In 1980, the couple moved with their young family to Hilton Head Island, where they bought The Children's Corner in Coligny Plaza.

Alan earned his South Carolina real estate broker's license in 1981 and went on to become one of the island's most respected real estate professionals. He was named REALTOR® of the Year in 1990 and served as president of the Hilton Head Area Association of REALTORS® in 1991. He was a founding partner of Keller Williams of the Lowcountry in 2004 and served for many years as its Broker-in-Charge.

Alan was a devoted member and past president of the Sunset Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island. As its Youth Exchange officer, he changed the lives of many young people.

Alan's greatest legacy was never found in professional titles or accomplishments. It was found in the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, and the joy he brought to everyday moments. He loved to learn, to laugh, to travel, and to share stories. His humor, warmth, and thoughtful attention to others made people feel that they belonged. Alan leaves behind not only cherished memories, but also the countless smiles, acts of kindness, and lives made brighter because he was a part of them.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Deanna; his children, Andrew Richards Coyne (Andrea), Amy Coyne Bredeson (Matthew), Ian Donaldson Coyne (Kortni Campbell) and Matthew Coyne; his grandchildren, Maya, Rory, Savannah, Alexander and Alan Coyne; Elijah and Chloe Bredeson; and Alura and Claudia Coyne; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Nancy Coyne, Frank Coyne, Helene Kelly and Mary Jane McManus.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Island Funeral Home, 4 Cardinal Rd., Hilton Head Island. A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at Island Lutheran Church, 4400 Main St., Hilton Head Island.