Mr. Coyle was nominated to the Federal bench by President Ronald Reagan. He started the job in April 1982 and served as chief judge for California's Eastern Federal Judicial District from 1990 to 1996.
The $140 million dollar courthouse at the corner of Tulare and O Streets in Downtown Fresno was named after him.
Judge Coyle just turned 82-years-old last Sunday. He passed away last night of natural causes.
Former colleagues say he will be missed.
"He really was the father figure for this court, for the other judges, he was my mentor certainly, the court staff, everyone who was involved in the court house, really loved, respected and admired the man," Judge Anthony Ishii said.
Judge Coyle leaves behind a wife and two children. Funeral plans are pending.
