Caroline Coffas

Passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her family at age 88. She was predeceased by her husband, William “Bill” Patrick Coffas; her parents, Jacob and Antoinette Cirilla; and many beloved extended family members and friends. Carol is survived by her children Carol M. (Deacon Duncan) Harris, Annette L. Coffas, Kathleen A. (Thomas) Viola, Very Rev. William G. Coffas, VF; grandchildren Christopher J. (Noy) Harris, Michael W. (Frank Petsche) Harris, Caroline “Carlee” (fiancé Austin Goodwin) Viola and Camryn N. Viola; great-grandson Owen Christopher Harris.

Carol grew up on Woodward Street in the northeast section of Rochester. She attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1955.

At a wedding in Medina, New York, the beautiful young Carol was captivated by the warm and enchanting voice of a handsome young man named Bill singing the popular tune, “Dance, Ballerina, Dance.” A few years later, Bill and Carol would be celebrating their love by dancing at their own wedding.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Bill was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict. Bill and Carol carried out a long-distance romance, exchanging letters to bridge the thousands of miles between them. On a snowy winter day in Rochester, New York, Bill and Carol were married on December 1, 1956 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. In 1964, Bill and Carol established roots in Irondequoit, New York.

Family was the central pillar of Carol’s life. As the matriarch of three generations, Carol offered guidance, support, and unconditional love to all her children and grandchildren. She found joy in cooking Sunday dinners, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandson, visiting the Rochester Public Market, Christmas shopping in downtown Rochester and enjoying the beauty of the Finger Lakes. A woman of deep faith, Carol was a beloved member of the St. Ambrose Church (Peace of Christ Parish) community. Carol participated in the annual retreat with the women of St. Andrew’s Parish at the Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, New York.

Carol's family and loved ones extend their heartfelt gratitude to Retired Dr. Zachary Kramer and the team of nurses at the Lipson Cancer Center for the care and comfort they provided over the years.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 777 Long Pond Road. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1 at Peace of Christ Parish at St. Ambrose Church, 25 Empire Blvd. with Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.