Richard E. Coe

Richard "Dick" Erwin Coe, 94, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. He was born on July 27, 1931, in Scriba, New York, to the late Erwin and Gladys Coe. He spent much of his life in the Oswego area before moving to Camden, New York, in 1956, where he made his home for nearly seven decades.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending time overseas in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, he dedicated his professional life to education, teaching Industrial Arts at Camden Central High School from 1956 until his retirement in 1988. After retiring from teaching, he continued to share his skills and work ethic through his time with Carpenters Hardware Store and Mystic Stamp Company.

On August 28, 1954, Richard married Margaret Foster, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage until her passing on November 6, 2009. Their love and partnership were central to his life, and he carried her memory with him always. After Margaret’s passing, Richard divided his time between New York and Georgia.

Richard was a man of many talents and interests. A gifted woodworker and gardener, he found joy in creating with his hands and cultivating beauty in his surroundings. He was an avid Airstream travel trailer enthusiast, journeying across all 50 states and several countries, enjoying the road and the friendships made along the way. Music was another passion of his. He sang in the church choir, played the clarinet and saxophone in several bands, and taught himself the piano and guitar. Faith and fellowship were also important to him; he was a devoted member of Camden United Methodist Church and a longtime participant at the Dempster Grove United Methodist Campground.

He will be remembered not only for his service and accomplishments but also for his spirit. Richard was always friendly, loved to tell jokes and stories, and was quick to lend a helping hand to those in need. He remained quick-witted through the end, always smiling and happy. A truly selfless person, Richard leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; and his siblings, Doris Bailey, Carina LaMay, Esther and Cliff Vosseller, and Jane and Howard Thornhill.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Lynn Coe of Fishers, Indiana; son, Roderick E. Coe of Waterloo, New York; daughter, Rhonda Coe Ashworth (Keith) of Bogart, Georgia; and son, Daniel K. Coe (Leslie) of Camden, New York.

He was a beloved grandfather to Hannah Jennings Whitehead (Jason) of Watkinsville, Georgia, and Audrey Ashworth Mathis (Thad) of Bogart, Georgia. Richard was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Aiden Jennings, Coraline Jennings, Emmett Whitehead, Elliott Whitehead, Theodore "Teddy" Mathis, Charlotte Mathis, and Beauregard "Beau" Mathis.

Per Richard’s request, there will not be formal services at this time. Family and friends will gather in his honor next summer at Dempster Grove United Methodist Campground. The family would like to thank the St. Mary's hospice team for taking such great care of him.

Richard’s legacy of teaching, service, craftsmanship, faith, and love for his family will be cherished for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice, 1021 Jamestown Blvd Ste 219, Watkinsville, GA 30677, Dempster Grove United Methodist Campground, Attn: Tonia Slimm 1124 State Route 104B, Oswego, NY 13126, or Camden United Methodist Church, 132 Main St, Camden, NY 13316.