Charles D. Coe

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce that Charles Coe has died. He passed away from complications after his recent prostate cancer surgery.

Charles was a wonderful human being and a multi-talented man. He was a poet, prose writer, teacher, musician (vocals and didgeridoo), chef, activist, and cherished friend. He was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and had lived in the Boston area since 1975.

Charles' warmth and humanity were palpable, and he was at the center of so many communities. He was generous with his time and was always doing things to bring people together--beautiful tributes have only begun pouring in.

Charles Coe was a renowned poet and writer, and was honored for his work internationally. He was the author of five books of poetry, the most recent entitled, "Charles Coe: New and Selected Works," as well as a novella, "Spin Cycles." He was working on a family memoir, "Room at the Table", inspired by his food-centered childhood (Somerville Times).

Charles was a passionate teacher and mentor, and he was adored by his poetry students at Salve Regina University, where he was an adjunct professor of English, and at Newton North High School. He was frequently an invited guest at New England events where he gave readings and performances.

He was the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including as a Boston Literary Light of the Boston Public Library and a poet-in-residence at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York. He was also featured in a short film, Charles Coe: Man of Letters, by Roberto Mighty.

But, most of all, Charles was dearly loved. It was a gift to have known him.

We remember how he held literary salons at his home in Cambridge, MA. His annual reading of A Child's Christmas in Wales, by Dylan Thomas, was a special event. Garlic parties were not to be missed. At one point, there may have been a Dionysian hat with garlic cloves that made an appearance.

We remember his deep, resonant voice and how he often sang a cappella. One of his favorite pieces was Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Charles once performed John Prine's Angel from Montgomery at Smith College in Northampton.

We remember how Charles showed up for justice as a Black man. He often shared his work in honor of Juneteenth (Your Arlington) in community. He spoke of difficult American history, the fight for freedom by enslaved people, and of resistance fighters from all cultures. He would always say though that his work spoke of his entire human experience.

Charles' voice will continue to live on in his published works. He was a sensitive, compassionate, and wise soul. He will be missed, more than we can say. Good night, our beloved friend.