Coffey, George B.
DELMAR - George B. Coffey, 105, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Shaker Place in Colonie, with his family at his side.
Born in Binghamton on August 20, 1920, George was a son of the late Rev. Alfred J. and Harriett Carman Coffey. He was raised in Phoenicia, and during his teenage years the family moved to Westerlo, where he resided for almost 70 years. He graduated from Greenville Central School.
An entrepreneur at heart, George led a varied and industrious career. He began working at Shepard's Farm as a teenager, then took a position at Clifford B. Hannay, Inc. in Westerlo. He had two stints at General Electric in Schenectady, first during World War II, (he then was briefly in the Army Air Corp.,) and again in the 1960s. He then worked in the automotive field, at Wendell Cadillac, King Cadillac, Mason Oldsmobile, Don Allen Chevrolet, and the Delmar Mobile station. He also owned and operated United Auto Sales, George Coffey Auto Sales (with his son, Ken), and concluding with operating Budget Rental.
A man of faith and service, George was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Westerlo. Over the years, he served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Sunday School Superintendent, often transporting children to and from Sunday School. He also sang in the choir, and was a big supporter of missions.
George was the last original member of the Board of Directors of the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany. He was a former member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company. And all this was just the first century of George's remarkable life.
In 2015, George and his late wife Vera moved to Atria Delmar Place (now Peregrine at Delmar Place), where he served as President of the Residents' Council.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth G. (Dawn) Coffey, and Karen (Cliff) Barber; grandchildren, Kimberly (John) Miller, Colleen Coffey (Dennis Hartmann), Nicholas (Keri) Barber, Amy (Eric) Morgan, and Matthew (Nicki) Barber; and his great-grandchildren, Austin and Jordan Miller, Abigail and Emmeline Barber, Jonah, Lucas, and Andrew Morgan, Ian and Jesse Barber; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his beloved wife, Vera N. Barber Coffey, on March 25, 2018, and his siblings, Alfred Coffey, Florence Newman, Ruth Calnon, and Jean Coffey, who passed at age 4.
George made friends quickly wherever he went. He lived a full and amazing life filled with wit and humor. His entertaining stories were filled with 105 years of knowledge. His smile and positive attitude will be missed.
A calling hour will take place on Saturday, October 11, 1 to 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo, 618 State Rte. 143, Westerlo. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m., in the church, followed by burial in Westerlo Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 S. Pearl St, Albany, N.Y. 12202-1859, will be appreciated.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Peregrine/Atria at Delmar Place, Shaker Place in Colonie, and the V.A. Medical Center, for the exceptional care that George received.
Condolence messages may be posted at
ajcunninghamfh.com
Published by Albany Times Union on Oct. 9, 2025.