J. David Coakley

1937 - 2026

J. David Coakley
January 26, 1937 – February 12, 2026
David Coakley, child of Joseph H. Coakley (1908-1976) and Florence M. Coakley (1910-2000). David grew up in North Dartmouth and New Bedford, MA, where he was an accomplished scholar athlete. He went on to attend Southern Massachusetts University (now UMASS) where he played college soccer and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. David was very proud of his New Bedford, MA roots. He was an avid sailor since a young age and sailed all around Buzzards Bay, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, MA his entire life. He was particularly proud of the New Bedford Whaling History as David was a direct descendant of Captain John T. Coakley, a Whaling Captain out of New Bedford, MA.
David was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers having worked his entire career in Waterbury, CT as a Mechanical Engineer with Anaconda American Brass, ARCO and ultimately Anamet. David was an expert snow skier and an active member of NAVA Ski Club along with being a National Ski Patroller at Mohawk Mountain in CT and Regional Director around New England for 45+ years.
David lived life to it's fullest either by skiing the most challenging mountains in Europe, Canada and the US or sailing on the ocean single handed and doing both into his later years until his 80th birthday.
David is survived by his 5 children: three daughters, Jean Gibeault (husband Greg), Susan Waldron and Sandra Coakley and two sons, Robert Coakley and Richard Coakley (wife Deborah). David also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Thank you to the Villages at East Farms in Waterbury, CT for their care over the last few years.
Donations may be made to the Descendants of Whaling Masters of New Bedford, MA. Private arrangements are being made by the family. Brookside Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road in Middlebury has been entrusted with David's arrangements. For more info or send an online condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com