Alan Roderick Coffey

1931 - 2022

Alan Roderick Coffey
April 14, 1931 - March 3, 2022
Resident of San Jose
Alan Roderick Coffey passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 3, 2022, at the age of 90. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and strong work ethic.
Alan was born in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1931, to Margaret (Denney) Coffey and Homer Newton Coffey. Alan had two older sisters, Ruth and Jean, and one younger sister, Joan. Tragically, Homer died in an automobile accident in December 1933 when Alan was only 2 years old.
Alan joined the U.S. Air Force in December 1947. He participated in the Berlin Airlift, was assigned to the Strategic Air Command in Great Britain and was a veteran of the Korean War. In recognition of his gallantry, heroism, and valor, Alan received the Silver Star Medal and the Air Medal.
Alan married Beverly May Austen in 1953 in Mountain View, California. Alan's beautiful bride Bev was the love of his life. They met on a blind date, married three months later, and celebrated 67 wonderful years together. Alan and Bev enjoyed golfing together. They traveled to several different golf courses, but Maui was always their favorite destination.
In 1954, Alan and Bev were transferred to Norton AFB in San Bernadino, California where their first daughter, Alison was born in 1955. When Alan was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1956, he and Bev moved to Monte Vista, California. Their second daughter, Annette was born in 1957. They moved to a new home in Campbell, California in 1959 and their third daughter, Alana was born.
Alan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Science degree in Sociology, and a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. Alan became a Police Dispatcher in 1957 and joined the Santa Clara County Probation department in 1961. During his 24-year career, Alan held a variety of assignments including Supervising Probation Officer, Departmental Training Officer, and Director. He also authored numerous criminology textbooks, and taught sociology and criminology courses at various colleges.
Alan was a skilled photographer and often experimented with different camera and film techniques. He later became interested in graphic design and enjoyed creating customized greeting cards for his family and friends using his images and graphics. He also had a penchant for British sports cars and thoroughly enjoyed driving an MGB, a Triumph Spitfire, and a TR7.
Alan took immense pride in his family and loved them dearly. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Alison Rivera, Annette Coffey (Patricia), and Alana Gielczyk (Stephen); his six grandchildren, Jennifer, Holden, Samantha, Stephen, Alan, Michael; his seven great-grandchildren, Helena, Robbie, Andrew, Elijah, Penny, Rigby, and Addison; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bev, his parents, and his three siblings.
Per Alan and Bev's wishes, their ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Maui, together for all eternity.
Donations may be made to:
Air Force Aid Society: https://afas.org/
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: https://www.sacmuseum.org/visit/visitor-information/


View the online memorial for Alan Roderick Coffey