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BORN
1949
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Carlton Coffey Obituary
Carlton Eugene Coffey, 73, of Arcadia Township, passed away on September 24, 2022.
He was born on May 1, 1949 in Brown City, Michigan, in Sanilac County. He is the son of Richard Howton Coffey and Gladys Marie (Stephenson) Coffey.
Carlton grew up on his parent’s dairy farm in Arcadia Township where he began milking cows at the age of six. He attended Arkdale School, a one room schoolhouse, Dryden High School and Imlay City High School graduating in 1967. He married Andrea Christine Luczynski on July 28, 1984 at West Goodland United Methodist Church.
He served in the US Army 4rth Division Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam as an Indirect Fire Infantryman, or Mortar man, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for service while actively engaged in ground combat, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Carlton began his 54-year radio career informing and entertaining listeners in 1967 at 103.1 WTHM-FM in Lapeer, Michigan, reading the news, weather, farm report and obituaries. He was an on-air radio personality in Detroit, Michigan, at 101.1 WRIF-FM for 13 1/2 years, programming and hosting "The Riff Rock Cafe," and at 94.7 WCSX-FM for 8 years hosting "Your Afternoon Coffey Break."
He is survived by: his wife, Andrea; brothers, John Coffey of Manchester, Michigan, Wayne Coffey of Margate, Florida, and Roger (Jeanette) Coffey of Attica, Michigan. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Richard and Gladys Coffey; a brother, James Thomas Coffey; and infant twin sisters.
The funeral service will be held 12 noon, Monday, October 3, 2022 at Goodland Community Church, 2008 N. Van Dyke Rd., Imlay City, MI 48444. Pastor Ken Tison, pastor of Goodland Community Church, will officiate.
The family will be available for visitation 2-5 & 6-8 pm, Sunday, October 2nd at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI and 10:30 am – 12 noon, Monday, October 3rd at Goodland Community Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City. Please be sure to sign our online register at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Coffey family.
Memories and Condolences
for Carlton Coffey
30 Entries
PAUL SZYDLOWSKI
December 21, 2023
I barely knew Carl, but thought of him today when I learned of the passing of one of his former colleagues. I met Carl while working at Pine Knob in the late 70's - early 80's. My job included acting as host whenever he or other local dj's visited. Though he was the visiting dignitary, he always made me feel like I was the important one. I can remember him cheering me on from the front row as I announced upcoming shows from the stage. His kindness and humility made him stand out and I've thought of him often whenever I've encountered egos who lacked his gift. Accept this as a sign that he may be gone, but he's not been forgotten.
Bonnie Callaway
October 3, 2022
Carlton was consistently loving and patient, funny and warm, and a deeply wise and kind soul. I am forever grateful for the impact he had during pivotal times in my life, in ways he may not have even known. RIP Uncle Carlton.
Pam Callaway
October 3, 2022
When it comes to souls of noble stature, it would be difficult to match the height, breadth, and depth of my brother-in-law, Carlton's.
He was as practical and sober-minded as he was playful, humorous, and charming.
He was as dutiful, conscientious, and frugal as he was sensitive, spontaneous, and generous.
He was as humble as he was self-possessed and charismatic.
He was as kind and compassionate as he was astute and discerning.
He embodied the loyalty and integrity of a lord and cared for those he loved with the heart of a servant.
My children and I are heartbroken to hear of his passing but find comfort in knowing his memory will be eternal as those who knew him, loved him, and were affected by him, as we were, have been energized to perpetuate his noble legacy in the way they live their daily lives.
Sheila Smith
October 3, 2022
Andrea, I’m so, so sorry for you and the family’s loss. He will be missed but, never forgotten. My deepest sympathy and prayers for you all.
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The Karwowski's of Imlay City
October 2, 2022
Andrea, our hearts are sad.
God bless you and your family. We will miss Carl very much.
BOB WEINGARTZ
October 2, 2022
Carlton gave of his time to DJ a number of dances at Center Line High. The students loved it.
Keith Bartholomew
October 2, 2022
I only knew Carl as a listener from his days on WRIF. My friends and I were just talking a few weeks ago about radio. I mentioned Carl"s name and everyone said "Oh yeah"
He had a great personality and voice. Very sorry to hear of his passing. God bless him and his family
Patricia (Kowalski) Ferda
October 1, 2022
Andrea, so sorry to hear about your loss. May you find comfort in the memories you have of your life together.
Joyce Bonesteel
September 30, 2022
Carl was my country neighbor. He cut the dead trees on my property line for his firewood. He had such a smooth clear voice. Calming. I miss hearing him on the radio.
Dwayne LaGrou
September 30, 2022
I met him a few times when I was at the radio station picking up items. He always had a warm Hello and asked how I was doing. We shared our common interest of gardening and working outside. I will truly miss his voice and smile.
Tim Brandow
September 30, 2022
Prayers to Carl's family. I met Carl thru my brother Jay they worked together at wrif. Carl was a mentor to me when i was kid getting started in radio. I have very fond memories of hanging out in the wrif studio with he and jay...........Carl gifted with a great voice for radio. rest in peace Carl.
Jill Scholz
September 30, 2022
I listened to WRIF during growing up and always loved when Carl was on. He was my favorite DJ. I moved away and couldn't listen to that station. Many years later, I reconnected to a high-school good friend. We became involved. While at his place we were driving by his neighbor across the street and to my surprise it was Carls home. If he was out side he would wave when we drove by. I never stopped to say hi or tell him that I enjoyed listening to him. I didn't want to intrude on his home life. RIP Carl, you will not be forgotten
Terry(Bear)Powell
September 30, 2022
What a Stand up Person. He was a man of So many shoes and a Heart of Gold. His Love of Family,The Farm and Music and People was unparalleled. He Loved His Country . THANK YOU FOR Serving Brother Carl. You were in Fact a Great American. R.i.p. Bear. Kingston.
Frank Traum
September 29, 2022
I was an intern at WRIF during the summer of 1978, Carl was one of the nicest guys there.
Pam
September 29, 2022
Your voice will always be larger than life to me. Thank you for all the years and spin doctoring you were the best
Julie-ann Nimbach
September 29, 2022
Your legacy lives. Shine on, Carl. You will be missed here.
Scott Randall
September 29, 2022
Carl was my radio hero and mentor ever since I was a kid. Proud to have gotten closer over these past years. Will never forget the farm fresh eggs you used to get me. To say he was a radio Legend is an underestimate he was also my hero. ~screamin scott WRIF
Duffy Connolly
September 29, 2022
Carl was a co-worker, mentor, and friend of mine throughout my 12yrs at the station. It’s with a heavy heart I say .. “until we meet again my friend”. You will not be forgotten.
Denny Williams
September 29, 2022
Rip..
Ronald Wisswell
September 29, 2022
I have been in radio for over 25 years now and Carl Coffey is a name that is comes up when the greats in Detroit radio broadcasting are brought up. He has been a staple in the radio industry and just a great person to work with. I had the pleasure of working with Carl back in his WCSX days and I will always treasure those moments talking to him. RIP Carl Coffey
Patti N
September 29, 2022
Sending Condolences to family and friends of Carl Coffey. He was truly a Motor City radio treasure.
Debby & Jeff Nieson
September 28, 2022
I will truly miss that very familiar voice on the RadioI called in one day and was shocked I got through to win free Movie Tickets...We love ya & will forever miss you! Debby & Jeff Nielson
Sheila Smith
September 28, 2022
He had a wicked sense of humor and could he make us laugh.
So, so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers for you all.
God bless.
Chris Dungey
September 28, 2022
He had such a sense of humor; that merry, Irish twinkle in his eye. So many crazy adventures in our youth. So much music.
Kip Reaves
September 28, 2022
Condolences to the Coffey families. I’ve known, and been friends, since high school. Good guy all day long.
Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedoms.
Rest In Peace Alumni, Veteran, and friend.
Linda Pisariuk May
September 28, 2022
My Sympathies go out to the Coffee Family. I also went to the 1 room schoolhouse (ArkDale, on the corner of Youngs & Bowers road). Carl always had a smile on his face when I would see him. He was such a pleasant, down to earth guy. May he Rest In Peace.
Deborah Coffey
September 28, 2022
Carlton was always a bright light in any room and on the radio. Condolences to the family.
Jeff Woodcox
September 28, 2022
My deepest condolences to Carl`s family. I never personally met Carl but I spoke to him a few times while he was on the radio. Usually I would give him traffic updates while on my way home from work in the mornings. I enjoyed listening to his radio broadcast over the years at all the different stations. My prayers to his family and friends for God`s peace to be with you all. God bless. R.I.P. Carl. Rock On!!
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
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Memorial Events
for Carlton Coffey
Oct
2
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City225 N. Main St., Imlay City, MI 48444
Oct
2
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City225 N. Main St., Imlay City, MI 48444
Oct
3
Visitation
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Goodland Community Church
2008 N. Van Dyke Rd., Imlay City, MI
Oct
3
Funeral service
12:00 p.m.
Goodland Community Church
2008 N. Van Dyke Rd., Imlay City, MI
Funeral services provided by:
Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City225 N. Main St., Imlay City, MI 48444