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Jeffrey Coale Obituary
His dream started when he was in college. He wanted to own a restaurant.
Training in cooking and restaurant management helps, but so does money. So Jeffrey Coale went at it methodically. He worked for a number of years as a government bond trader. At night, he attended classes at the French Culinary Institute.
He quit trading and took a job as an apprentice chef at the Louis XV restaurant in Monte Carlo. Next, he returned to New York to work at the Alain Ducasse restaurant. Wanting to refine his understanding of the wine side of the business, he then took a job as an assistant wine master at Windows on the World.
Meanwhile, Mr. Coale, 31, sifted around for a location for his restaurant. He looked at several properties in Greece and New York. He had not settled on the style of cuisine.
"He left really good money to make $10 an hour at Windows," said Leslie Brown, his sister. "But Jeff never settled for something. He followed his passion."
In recent weeks, reflecting on that devotion, two friends switched to jobs that better suited their own true interests. Two other friends broke off unsatisfying relationships. In memory of Mr. Coale, they are going to follow their passions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Jeffrey on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Del Newberry
January 14, 2021
We will never forget. Wishing comfort and peace to Jeffrey's family.
August 19, 2019
Its a shame Jeff never got to open a restaurant of his own.
In memory of this gentleman...
Julie Saward
September 11, 2011
Dearest Jeff - I remember the day we met in a bar in Rhodes many years ago. How lucky was I to have met such a wonderful person. I think of you always and miss you so very much. In my thoughts today and forever Julie
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Marisela Maximino
September 8, 2011
Im very sorry for your loss. It is a tragic till now know is going to be 10 years from now. *his GONE but NEVER forgotten* i wish the family and friends of JEFFREY COALE
Amy Miller
May 18, 2011
Though I never met the handsome young man, I know he was a good, kind sole whose life was cut too short. It is all our losses, to not have Jeffrey with us any more.
When I met his mother, Joan, several years ago and found out about her terrible loss, I cried inside for her thinking about this unfathomable loss of a child. But she did not cry, she stood tall and smiled with a kindness beyond imagination. Joan's strength alone would carry all of us. Her love and devotion to her family, friends, and life are a testament to us all and we all could only hope and pray to be half as good a person in life as Joan. I am thoroughly blessed to have Joan in my life and have become a better person for knowing her.
Jeffrey will hold a special place in my heart for all the days of my life from knowing his mother and knowing how wonderful a young man he must have been being raised by such a special lady.
My sincerest condolences to all of the Coale family.
Dhyana Shipley
September 12, 2010
I have not forgotten.
Lynn Gonzalez-Cauble
September 11, 2009
Dear Jeff, I am an old friend from college that just reunited with some friends. I just learned of your passing this morning. I didn't quite believe it until I googled the world trade center. The world has missed you. I had always imagined you had driven across the US and were living a wonderful, vibrant, beautiful life. Much like the young man you were at school. I will light a candle for you today. Sending peace to your family. Lynn Gonzalez Cauble
Doug Abraham
February 1, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
june coale
May 31, 2007
my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Kristine
October 27, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 10, 2006
In remembrance....
Amy Sneed
September 10, 2004
As a member of bookcrossing, I will be releasing a book in memory and in honor of Jeff Coale tomorrow. I chose a book called Vintage Feasting about a year at a vineyard/winery. I hope that it will remind whoever finds it that the 3000 people we lost that day were all individuals. Sometimes we forget that the people in the crowd have faces.
Elaine McGarraugh
September 11, 2003
To the Coale Family: You were in my heart and prayers this whole year long. God Bless you Always
Elaine McGarraugh
September 11, 2002
To the Coale Family: I read about Jeffrey in the New York Times last fall, and his loss literally broke my heart. I couldn't let this day end without telling you that I have thought of Jeffrey so many, many times since that day last fall. What a beautiful young man with eyes full of love. I will remember him always. God Bless you.
Marianne McGinnis
September 11, 2002
To the Coale Family,
I just had dinner with Julie at Raoul's in Soho tonight and we toasted to Jeff. We went there because of Jeff, to remember.We were all together there last year,Mrs. Coale, Leslie,Maggie,Sean Julie and I, just weeks after Sept. 11th. But, we, Julie and I and all of my sisters and brother's and my mom and dad, we all remember Jeff everyday.
His gentleness,humour,his wisdom that was beyond his years, the way he had about him, how he inspired us to be the best we are, to do the right thing. He really was a special person.I remember a New Years eve a few years ago, showing up at Jeff's apartment. He wanted to throw a dinner party. So I got there early,and we had a few drinks, planned the menu and got to the supermarket for the ingredients at about 9:00 only to stand in line for an hour. We rushed home, had another drink,and, guests arriving, starting cleaning shrimp and cooking lobster. We baked something, the oven was dirty, and before you knew it, the apt. was filled with friends and smoke.we finally sat down to dinner at 11:00 on ny eve!! i think there were 4 plates for 10 people and not enough forks but it didn't matter. I'll never forget cooking with Jeff in that little kitchen, talking about food and wine. He was so passionate about it. Every time I cook now, I know he's somewhere near. He made me feel like a special person. Iknow that he had a dear friend in my little sister Julie. She loved him so so much. She tells this great story about taking Jeffrey shopping for leather pants in NYC. He was so discerning that what would have been an hour long shopping trip lasted the whole day , till the shops closed. But he got the pants he wanted. I remember them, brown leather. He was such a well dressed man.
I don't know still how someone can just disappear, but I'm learning that they don't really . His life, his presence has touched so many. I really did feel special that he would have me for a friend. I have a photo of Jeff and I dancing at my brother Tommy's wedding, I see it everyday and will cherish it always. Those big blue eyes of his and his sweet smile.
I know he loved his family deeply. I know he loved Maggie deeply. I know he loved Julie and my family and Sean deeply too.
I think he is somewhere nearby now, learning what we will all learn someday. I know that he wants us to know that life is to live, every moment, everyday, the way that he did. I love you Jeff, forever. Marianne.
Jennifer Maier
September 11, 2002
Coale Family,
I know you are in New York today and I am thinking of you all.
I miss your son, your brother.
I am looking out my office window at the Logan Square fountain, schoolkids forming a circle around it. It is turned off for a few minutes in memory of the day Jeff died. Now it is back on, water flowing again.
Joan, I thought of you so much yesterday. I looked at the pictures of you holding our baby on September tenth last year and how happy you were that day.
I think of times at the shore with Jeff and my family and how funny he was. That smile! The time when we came back to the house from the beach and made a cake - and all the kids ate it with our hands (I think that was Jeff's idea).
I think of the time when we watched The World According to Garp together when you lived in Rosemont.
Driving around in his Jeep.
I think of the letters we wrote back and forth in college. I save everything, so I must still have them somewhere.
Jeff was so special.
But, of course, you know that.
What a good friend. You always felt lucky to be in his company.
He will always be a part of us.
Love,
Jen
Anthony Biaggne
September 11, 2002
This past weekend I went to my church where they were having a memorial service for the 9/11 vicitims. The church had set up a table that had small cards with individual names printed on them. We were encouraged to grab one at random and keep it. When I approached the table, I saw one card laying amidst a bunch of rose petals. On the card was printed, "Jeffrey Coale".
I was compelled to pray for Jeffrey and his family, and have been since that day. Today is September 11th, 2002. Turning on the television this morning, I had the opportunity to see Jeff's picture during the WTC memorial. Since then, I found this tribute site.
Dear Coale family: I may never meet you, but know that someone is praying specifically for you today and in days to follow. I pray that God be with your family, and that you all draw to Him as child depends on his parents for tender love. I pray for strength, renewal, balanced with fond memories of Jeffrey. After reading his tributes, he sounded like an amazing man, and has inspired me to follow my own passions.
Take care, Coale family.
Sincerely,
Tony Biaggne
Jonathan Thomas
September 11, 2002
My heart goes out to the Coale family. Our brothers work together in Houston at Amherst and I was devistated to hear of the senseless loss of Jeff's life. God bless your family and the other families who suffered tragedy and loss on 9/11/01.
Dhyana Shipley
September 10, 2002
Beloved family and friends of Jeffrey:
I am so happy that this page of memories is still available. I sent my first letter last December and I am still wearing my memory band bracelett inscribed with Jeff's name. How fortunate I am to have this small metal band creating a link of remembrance. I am thankful to be able to offer some encouragement and my sincere prayers for each of you. Although I never knew Jeffrey in this life, I will treasure his memory with you all. And yes, Les, I am living my life differently (thank you for your strengthening words).
On this 364th day of remembrance (and always), I pledge not to forget and to always cherish this small touch I have been able to place on the lives of those who knew and loved the man whose name I bear daily with honor and in humility. May God richly bless you.
gail laura (coale)
June 3, 2002
Dear Coale Family,
I have not seen you or Jeff in several years. I was married your nephew, Christopher Coale. My son Justin told me about Jeff, what a great loss. I know that God works in mysterious ways and why he does we are not to question but you were very blessed to have Jeff with you for the time that you did. I just wanted to send you my families prayers and condolences. I am sure he is in the hands of God as the angel I remember him being as a young man. God bless all of you and I am certain you will all be together again.
Kristen Kelly Liebsch
March 25, 2002
I just wanted you to know that I had visited Jeff's page. I was drawn by the fact that his home town is listed as Souderton, not too far from North Wales where my sister, brother and I lived for some years.
My sister, Jeanine, lost her husband, James F. Murphy, on Sept. 11.
I will pray for all of you who loved Jeff. Knowing from my sister and my own family's perspective, healing these wounds has hardly begun. So I will pray always, now that I know a little bit about your Jeff.
Kristen Kelly Liebsch
[email protected]
Joan Coale
February 11, 2002
To My Dearest son Jeffrey, Five months have passed since you were called away and we miss you so much. You were a special gift from the day you were born on your father's birthday. You brought us joy, love, happiness, Maggie and all of your wonderful friends. I never heard you say anything bad about anyone. you weren't afraid to try new things and you gave everything you attempted your best shot. How hard it must have been for you to go to Monaco where there was such a language barrier but you worked hard and won the French over in your very special way. How thankful we all are that we were able to have you in our lives if only for a short time. You made the world a better place, if only we all could follow your example.
May you rest in God's care, knowing you were loved so much by so many. Love, Silver
Frank Shull
January 28, 2002
Jeff: You were one of the good guys that I met in college. We had some great times together. I always thought to myself what a great guy you were and I am sorry that we had not seen each other for a while. Your fraternity brothers will never forget you. I know that you are with God now.
Leslie Brown
January 22, 2002
A Tribute to my Brother
By Leslie Coale Brown
Jeff brought out the best in people. Or at least he did in me. He always knew what I was capable of and encouraged me to not sell myself short. He believed in me. Sure we could easily revert back to kids’ fighting over who was Mom’s favorite, but he knew how to hurt me, and never used it. He loved my children and I think was happy that they were growing up in the very way we were raised. We had a great childhood, Jeffrey, Stephen and I; and we knew it, which is a gift in itself.
Jeff was always surrounded by love. He had a generous heart, a kind soul and a creative intelligence. He has friends around the world. And if you were Jeff’s friend you were special. While he was never mean, Jeff didn’t waste his time with people who weren’t genuine. Jeff rarely did anything he didn’t want to do; I think this is why he was able to experience so much in life, because he was not motivated by guilt or peer pressure. He didn’t waste time feeling bad.
Jeff had big dreams and he lived some of them, thank God, and he enjoyed making plans with many of his close friends. There was probably more joy in the planning than in whatever the possible outcome. His dear friend Andrew told me, “Les, we had big plans.” When I responded that they had always had big plans, he said, “But no Les, really, they are on my computer.”
Jeffrey had wonderful friends, some from childhood on, some just recently. And closest to his heart is Maggie, how lucky he was to know her love.
I believe in God and in Heaven, I know that Jeffrey is in a better place than our current world. And the only sense I can make of why Jeffrey’s life would be called so short is because of the effect it will have on so many people. He touched many lives and my hope is that now because of knowing and losing Jeff your lives will be different. Maybe someone here now won’t be afraid to dream big, maybe someone will realize how short life is and start living it differently. Maybe you will change jobs, or appreciate your family more. Each of us has a responsibility to live life with a little more passion and joy in honor of a life cut short. Try to be the person Jeff knew you were capable of being.
Erin Brown
January 22, 2002
Jeff had a wonderful spirit, and that spirit lives on. You are missed Jeff. - Erin
Debbie K
January 19, 2002
I met Jeff when I was a freshman at MD. Though we hadn't spoken since homecoming in 1994, I'll never forget the last time I saw him. Standing and talking to someone else in R.J. Bentleys, I suddenly heard this sweet voice behind me say, "Hey," in the soft spoken way he talked. I remember catching up, I remeber his black leather jacket, he always dressed so nicely, but mostly I remeber how glad I was to have seen him. I am sorry for his family and his girlfriends' loss and though my time with him was a mere four years, his kindness and sincerity can still be felt. Thanks Jeff.
Cindy Coale-Longacre
January 7, 2002
Here for a while,
gone in an instant,
forever in our hearts.
Jeff, we miss you!
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Jeffrey. May his ability to follow his passions, his life and love live on in those who love him. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times shared with Jeffrey. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
December 26, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU JEFFREY COALE AND'
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND
HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND'
MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Dhyana and Jones
Mrs. Dhyana Shipley
December 9, 2001
Today I received a beautiful metal 'Memory BAND' made available to help others remember a specific name as well as a specific day associated with a great loss. I was so excited to see whose name was inscribed there so that I could begin to pray daily for those who lost someone dear. I will wear it also as a reminder to others that I have chosen to 'Bearing Another's Name Daily' so that I will not forget Jeffrey or anyone that was lost on 9-11-01.
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