William F. Coakley, a life-long Medford resident and retired Lieutenant of the Medford Fire Department, passed away on December 7th. Beloved husband of fifty-five years to Bernadette “Bunny” (Mayo) Coakley, their story beginning as childhood friends on Ship Ave in Medford. Bill adored Bunny, who was his best friend and his rock. He was predeceased by his siblings, Albert and Robert Curran, John, Donald and Kevin Coakley, Margaret Colcord, Katherine Jordan, Elaine Buckland and Patricia Reavy. He is lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who affectionately referred to him as “Unc.” Bill was also a wonderful Godfather and Grandparent, affectionately referred to as “Papa.”
Bill served his country honorably in the United States Navy on the USS Whetstone. Bill loved to organize annual ship reunions and looked forward to reminiscing with his shipmates. Bill worked as a Firefighter for the City of Medford for twenty-nine years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant prior to his retirement in 2003. During his service, he was assigned to Engine One, Engine Five and Ladder One. He received the Manville F. Richards award in 2000, an award which is presented for acts of bravery and heroism on the fireground. He also served as Treasurer of the Medford Firefighters Union for many years.
In his retirement, Bill and his wife enjoyed spending the winter in Cocoa Beach, Florida and he could be found sitting in a beach chair with binoculars around his neck waiting for the next rocket to launch from Kennedy Space Center or waiting for the cruise ships to pass by at the jetty. He was an avid reader and accomplished historian of World War II and enjoyed many afternoons playing Keno. Bill had many close friends near and far, including special neighbors on Morgan Ave. He enjoyed his coffee group at Dunkin Donuts every morning, sharing stories, many laughs and debates, and catching up on current events.
Bill leaves a tremendous legacy. Bill left a mark on everyone he met with his larger-than-life personality and funny antics. His quick wit was unmatched and is the source of endless stories and memories his family and friends will always treasure. He truly was one in a million and his absence leaves a huge void in his family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Tuesday December 16th at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday December 15th from 4:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St., Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.