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Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc. - Colchester

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Colchester, Connecticut

Robert Coffey Obituary

Robert D. Coffey, a resident of Hebron, Connecticut, died on February 4, 2023. Bob was born in White Plains, NY on July 3, 1950, the first son of Robert E. Coffey and Madeline Barbara Deady Starch. He and his brother, Christopher Coffey, grew up in Brewster, New York and attended St. Lawrence O'Toole church. He graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in History in 1972, and earned a JD from UCONN Law School in 1977. He earned an MPA from the University of Hartford in 1995.

He married Helen M. (Lynn) Coffey on June 10, 1978. They had three children: Jeffrey, Diane, and Kevin. A devoted husband and father, he loved cooking, traveling, and being outdoors with his family, which grew to include his daughters-in-law Glenda Nouman Coffey and Kristin Vick, and son-in-law Dean Spears. His three grandchildren, Owen, Jeremy, and Sienna, adored their "Pa." Above all, Bob loved to bring his family joy.

Bob spent his 37-year career at the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. What began as a summer internship in law school culminated in his retirement from the position of Director of Human Resource Management in 2014. He continued to serve as a Trustee of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement Commission until his death. Bob's amiable and generous nature meant that he was trusted and appreciated by a diverse group of colleagues. He volunteered with Boy Scouts Troop 28 for more than 30 years, and with r.i.c.e, a research institute for compassionate economics, for more than 10 years.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 5:30pm and a memorial service will be from 5:30 to 6:00 on Thursday, Feb. 9th at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home in Colchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders or GiveWell . Both of these organizations enable life-saving health care in poor countries. To share a memory or sign the online guestbook please visit: www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Feb. 7, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Coffey

Sponsored by the family.

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Carl E Testo

March 15, 2023

I am very sorry to hear of Bob's passing and extend my condolences to his lovely family.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob in the Judicial Branch from the 1970s to my retirement in 2013. We were both attorneys and had many interactions throughout those years.
Bob was exceptionally bright, had a great demeanor, and had a great touch in dealing with people.
May God comfort his family in this sad time.

Tom and TeeDee Covill

February 13, 2023

Lynn and Family -
We were shocked and saddened, to hear about Bob. We´re so sorry for your loss.
Such a good guy, always with a smile and a good word during our Hebron days; a true gift to his friends and cohorts.
We´ll always remember him.

Tom and TeeDee Covill

Brendan Waitkus

February 10, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the Coffey family. Bob was always kind to me and helpful when I worked for the judicial branch several years ago. He offered to be my reference for the position and he always stayed in contact with me afterwards. He will be missed.

Amanda Alfonso

February 9, 2023

I worked with Bob on the Retirement Commission. Bob was always kind and always treated me with respect. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. He will be missed!

Greg D'Auria

February 9, 2023

They don't come any better than Bob Coffey. A true gentleman. Steady and loyal. Steely, but with a light touch. Whether I came upon him at a scout meeting, at church, at a meeting with the Chief Justice or while he walked dogs on the Airline trail, I could always look forward to a great conversation: about a family he revered; about the law he was devoted to; or about our town or our mutual friends. Always spun with great humor, wisdom and optimism. You always left an encounter with Bob feeling better. Lynn and family, it was a gift to know this fine man. Deepest condolences from me and Joan. Greg D'Auria

Dennis Jolly

February 9, 2023

I am saddened to say goodbye to Bob, a man who brought joy and positivity wherever he went. His kind and warm spirit will be greatly missed. Bob lived life to the fullest and always had a smile on his face. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lynn and the entire family. I hope his memory brings you comfort as time passes. Rest in peace, you will be deeply missed.

Dennis MacNamara

February 9, 2023

The picture of Bob smiling is how I always remember Bob. We attended St Lawrence O´Toole grammar school together. We reconnected a few times at school reunions and I loved our catch up conversations and had made tentative plans to visit after our last meetup. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He had a wonderful outlook on life and I always felt a peace and happiness upon talking with him. The world is definitely poorer for having lost him but richer for having had his presence. May Bob rest in peace and may his family be blessed with peace, strength and understanding.

Linda Yelmini

February 8, 2023

To say Bob was a prince among men is not high praise enough. Always a great laugh with a little devilment behind those eyes. Smart and thoughtful at all times. Bob was always steady, honest and loyal. A great friend and colleague. He loved you Lynn and was so proud of all three of you kids and your spouses and grandkids. My sympathy to all of you.

Tom Clifford

February 8, 2023

To Bob's family.
I'm terribly saddened to learn this news. I've known Bob since last school and he was a colleague of the highest order. Whenever a question arose @ the Attorney General's Office, my employer, concerning Judicial, Bob was our contact. Most of all I'll miss our chance encounters @ Bushnell Park, checking in on family and enjoying the fruits of our labor and recreation. Even after retirement, he lent his experience to the SERC overseeing the State's pension system.
Lynn and children, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your profound loss.

Kate and Nuccio Scordino

February 8, 2023

Lynn and Family:
We are truly so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I had the extreme pleasure of knowing Bob throughout my 32 year career with Judicial. Our friendship continued even after our retirements. I will always remember his hearty laugh and his beaming smile. I will always remember Bob as a kind, caring, compassionate and generous friend. I will miss him. May the love that you shared with your beloved Bob remain forever in your hearts bringing you lasting peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad and difficult time. May Bob rest in eternal peace.

Kathleen M Haggerty

February 8, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Lynn and all the family. Bob was a wonderful man. My heart and love goes out to all of you.

Peter Adomeit

February 8, 2023

My condolences to Bob's family. I served with Bob on the Retirement Commission for 7 years. He was a wonderful colleague, balanced, fair, kind, genuine, polite, always smiling. He will be sorely missed.

Cheryl Gauvin

February 8, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Lynn and family. I was so saddened by the passing of Bobz I enjoyed all our conversations we´ve had over the years, he was such a wonderful person and he holds a special place in my heart. RIP Bob.
Cheryl Gauvin

Kelly

February 8, 2023

My most sincere condolences to Mr.Coffeys' family.I am one of the dental hygienists this family has been seeing for many many years.I am so sorry to hear of his passing always enjoyed our conversations throughout the years.

Henry Cohn

February 7, 2023

I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. He and I worked together for many years at Judicial.

Bessy Reyns

February 7, 2023

Sad to read of Mr Coffey´s passing.
He was a very kind and professional person. I had many interactions with him during the 16 years I worked at judicial´s office of the reporter of judicial decisions. Always appreciated his kindness
My condolences to his family
Bessy Reyna

Brian Clemow

February 7, 2023

I was outside labor counsel to the Judicial Branch for several years when he was head of Human Resources. He was a good friend as well as a great guy to work with.

Salvatore A Damico

February 6, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Lynn and family. As a friend and professional colleague of Bob´s for 30 years, the description of Bob as being "amiable, trusted, and always appreciated" were attributes that so well describe as to why his friends and colleagues were blessed to have known him. Rest in Peace our dear friend.

Sal and Janice D´Amico
Ranch Palos Verdes, CA

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
for Robert Coffey

Feb

9

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home

167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT

Feb

9

Service

5:30 p.m.

Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home

167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc. - Colchester

167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415

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