Charles D. Coe

I first met Charles in the late 1980s at Judith Woodruff's home. He was being considered for a position with International Arts for Peace, but it didn't pan out. I was drawn to his writing and to his compassion. He was a friend whose death brings sadness, even though I haven't seen him seen the early 2000s.

I adored Charles! He was a loving, compassionate and gifted man~ He read some of his poems at a gathering of our hospital clown troupe, made me a delicious lunch at his Cambridge house and of course, played his wonderful didgeridoo! What a gift he was to all who had the joy of knowing him~

I worked with him years ago one summer at a daycare center. I was in a not good space. He was so kind. And he was so stable with and for the children. His deep rumbly voice and singing was so good for them. And since then, as a fellow writer and musician, I often saw him around although I did not know him well. I know, however, that he will be missed. He was a true presence in the culture of Cambridge, MA and beyond.

Charles was adored by all of the Salve students, not just the poets. He was a constant source of inspiration and support and I will miss him dearly. His poetry was like music and moved me so much. I will miss his rich, sonorous voice, his didgeridoo-chanting-humming-singing, and his irreverent sense of humor. He spoke the truth and I´m so grateful that I got to spend time with him.

I only met Charles in August of 2025. He was so immediately kind and gave me writing advice which I took up right away. He told me who to study and I hear his voice through that work still! Rest in peace lovely soul!

As many have shared, I'm devastated by this news.
I didn't know Charles well, and I had the great pleasure and honor to get to know him relatively deeply, relatively quickly during Star Arts - a week-long arts camp for adults where we were both teaching - he was teaching poetry, I was teaching Playback Theatre, and Alana Phinney, who also became a dear friend that week taught dance.

The three of us were a triumvirate - often found together, when not teaching, exploring and expressing spontaneous creativity. We curated an amazing performance blending music, poetry and creative movement/dance woven together spontaneously. The experience was sublime and truly incredible.

He also made me a sandwich at his home in Cambridge - we both shared a 'thing' about sandwiches. I'm truly sad I never had the chance to repay the favor.

Charles - we love you. You will be missed. You touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways!

Devastated to learn of Charles' death. I shall miss his sharp humor and wit.

I met Charles long before he began writing. He sang with a jazz group called Two-Finger Snap. We bonded over cooking. Charles an excellent chef always spoke of his dad cooking. His mom's saying, nothing wrong that eating won't fix. A saying that stays with me. He worked for himself painting walls. He came a long way. When he started writing I brought him to Worcester to the venues I ran. Charles, I miss you.

I will remember Charles for his poetry and generosity of spirit, championing the artist in each of us, and helping to move our human kindness-of-heart forward through his demeanor, words, and actions.

I remember you from mobius days, and a party at your house where you and I and another woman sang together some song that required back up singers.
I'm sorry you are gone.

Charles Coe´s poetry clearly reaches out to his readers. There is a will to communicate in it, rather than a will to appear clever.

I had the privilege of attending two of his presentations, here in New Hampshire. At the second one, I approached him and told him that I wanted to be his student. I guess that now it will have to be his work that teaches me how to be a poet.

I'm adding my wife Judith Woodruff to this memory as well: Charles was a valued friend and helper during Judith's years as Director of the Day Care Center of Brookline and Greater Boston. He also traveled with her to the Soviet Union during her trips taking groups of artists and young people. I'm so pleased the last years of his life were spent doing what he liked. There were only not enough of them.

Charles was the glue that bound our souls. He had the same birthday, different year, as Leonard Cohen: September 21. Charles was a marvelous master of ceremonies at the Leonard Cohen Tribute Concert in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV9zwuP1ASQ

Rest well, my friend. Your kindness, insight, and boundless soul will remain with your friends for the rest of our lives. Your peerless poetry will live for as long as people read and are open to insight and truth. You are loved, Charles.

I remember Charles as a bright spirit, who brought light to my days. May his memory be eternal.

Anastasia Vassos

You shall be missed my friend. Safe journeys, go join that big band out yonder