Hugh Coyle Earls, veteran, successful attorney

 Hugh Coyle Earls, 87, of Venice, Fla., passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was born in Worcester, Mass., Feb. 1, 1937, to Hugh H. and Jane M. (Loughlin) Coyle. Hugh relocated to Venice from Lewes in 2012. 

Hugh earned a bachelor's degree from Holy Cross College and a law degree from Suffolk University. Hugh also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era as a specialist 4th class, receiving a good conduct medal.

Hugh started his lifelong legal career by opening a private law practice in Westboro, Mass. 

Following a successful private practice, Hugh entered the corporate sector as a labor relations lawyer for General Motors Corporation in Framingham, Mass., followed by a labor relations position with GAF Materials Corporation in Binghamton, N.Y. Hugh retired as director of Labor & Employee Relations with Lehigh Cement, Allentown, Pa.

Hugh was actively involved for over 42 years in supporting the Special Olympics.

Surviving family members include his wife of 59 years, Kathleen Margaret Earls of Venice, Fla.; son, Timothy P. Earls and his wife Maurietta of Macungie, Pa.; daughters, Hilary M. Earls of Venice, and Elizabeth Repel and her husband Mike of Chicago, Ill.; grandsons, Timothy P. Earls Jr. of Macungie, Bailey P. Earls of Phillipsburg, N.J., and Ethan Repel of Chicago; brother, Anthony P. Earls of Lanesboro, Mass.; sister, Mary Jane Cole of South Yarmouth, Mass.; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane; father, Hugh; his adoptive father, William E. Earls; and brother Michael T. Earls.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorial donations to the Special Olympics, support.specialolympics.org.