William I. Coffey, Sr., 78
Dateline: Taunton, MA
William I. Coffey, Sr., 78 of Taunton and a former resident of Norton passed away on Thursday September 23, 2010 at the Kindred Hospital in Boston. He was the former husband of the late Irene F. (Valletta) Coffey.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina on July 10, 1932, he was a son of the late Willard and Nola Mae (Randall) Coffey.
Bill grew up and was educated in North Carolina. A resident of Taunton for the past 10 years, he had formerly made his home in Norton.
A retired Master Chief Petty Officer, Mr. Coffey proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 33 years. In his naval career he served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was the recipient of numerous citations and awards.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill worked as a J.R.O.T. C. Instructor for 10 years at West Roxbury High School and later as a driver for several years helping children who suffered with disabilities.
He was an active member of the North Taunton Baptist Church in Taunton where he served as treasurer of the church for many years.
A member of the Charlestown and Roslindale VFW Posts, Bill exemplified his patriotism marching in many veterans parades and made sure that fellow comrades graves were properly marked each year with an American flag. When not helping others, Mr. Coffey enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Father of the late William I. Coffey, Jr. who died in 2003, he is survived by his loving daughter in law Jeannie M. Coffey of Winthrop, his adoring and cherished grandchildren William I. Coffey, III and his wife Angela of Haverhill and Ashley M. Coffey of Winthrop. He was the brother of Lee R. Coffey of Arizona and the late Joseph B. Coffey, John C. Coffey and Lila M. Coffey. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Wednesday September 29th at 11:00 A.M. in the North Taunton Baptist Church 1940 Bay Street Taunton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Common Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday September 28th from 5-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp Sty. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton.
In lieu flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the North Taunton Baptist Church 1940 Bay Street Taunton, MA 02780.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com