Gerald D. Coakley

COAKLEY, Gerald D, "Gerry," of Tampa, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009. He was born February 18, 1925, in Boston, Mass. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, he graduated from Boston University. In 1951 he joined the FBI and had a 24 year career as a special agent serving in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New Haven, Conn., and Newark, N.J., and retired in 1975 as special agent in charge of the Norfolk, Va., office. After his retirement from the FBI, he enjoyed a second career as an executive for World Jai Alai until 1986. He was a loving husband and father. He was an avid golfer, a voracious reader and had a great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Coakley. Survivors include his wife, Dolores Coakley; children, Maureen Wielgus and son-in-law, Wayne of Miami, Fla., Kevin Coakley of Boulder, Colo., Gerry Coakley Jr. of Tampa, John Coakley of Plant City, Fla., and Tricia Reyher and son-in-law, Chris, of Tampa. He is also survived by his brother, Dan Coakley of Sarasota, Fla.; and sister, Kay Mahoney of Westwood, Mass.; and 11 grandchildren. A memorial service in his memory will take place 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at St. Paul' s Catholic Church, 12208 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Heart Association.