Jimmy's Comedy Alley owner dies

James &#8220Jimmy” Coyne, long-time Bayside resident and business owner, passed away on August 9 after battling cancer. He was 72.
The owner of Jimmy's Comedy Alley, formerly Olympic Bowling Center, on 47th Avenue and Bell Boulevard, Coyne was &#8220a very kind, compassionate, loving man - very good to the people of Bayside,” according to his wife of 46 years, Gloria.
Always civic-minded, he held benefits for the Bayside Little League, the American Cancer Society, the Bayside Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary's Hospital for Children, Toys for Tots and many others.
He even organized a fund-raiser to help his friend Vincent Gill, the victim of assault. It netted $5,000 and kept the Gill family from losing their home.
&#8220He was like the mayor of our block [in Bayside],” said Gloria. &#8220All our neighbors adored him.”
Even though he was new to the comedy industry, he had an excellent eye for talent. His club showcased the comedy of Ray Romano, David Atell, Chris Rock and Jon Stewart.
According to Gloria, the family-owned club was famous in the comic community, and spawned many modern-day funny men, including Kevin James, Tim Allen, and others.
&#8220The comics just loved him,” his widow said.
In fact, Allen, who still maintains a relationship with the family, told daughter Linda, who is also in the comedy industry, &#8220I wish my relationship with my daughter can be like yours with your dad.”
Coyne, whose many hobbies included the solar system, &#8220loved all God's creatures,” said Gloria.
In fact, his dog, Nipper, who lived in the bowling alley, actually learned the sport and piqued the interest of the producers of the show &#8220That's Incredible.”
Coyne also served as a mentor to countless youths.
&#8220He was like a father figure and a mentor,” Gloria told The Queens Courier. &#8220He always helped young people.”
In a letter to the family, a young man whose life had been touched by Coyne wrote, &#8220Jim truly added something to my youth. He spoke to me as an adult, which can mean so much to a child. He quenched my deep thirst for knowledge. I feel that I have lost a great friend, but I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him and learn from him.”
Another man who knew Coyne as a youth, wrote, &#8220He set a fine example for generations of young men and women who liked to frequent his place.”
Coyne is survived by Gloria, a Registered Nurse and Director of Quality Management at Ozanam Nursing Home; three children, Karen Salvio, Linda Corke and James; three grandchildren, Paul James Corke, Gloria Jean Salvio and Gina Lynne Salvio; sisters Joan Cocuzzo and Suzanne Bernat; brothers Michael and the late Thomas; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations in his name can be made to Calvary Hospice, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York 10461.