Stephen Coakley

Durham - Stephen "Steve" Coakley, 82, was born March 23, 1943, in Norwood, Massachusetts. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, and lifelong Catholic, he lived a life defined by faithfulness to family, country, and conviction.

He was the son of the late Stephen Oldham Coakley and Helen Frances Coakley. In November 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Officer Candidate School in December 1963. An Infantry Officer, he completed two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. After more than 22 years on active duty, he continued his service as an Army civilian, including eight years in the Senior Executive Service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in 2006 following a 44-year career of service. In 2000, he was inducted into the U.S. Army OCS Hall of Fame.

On July 3, 1965, he married Ruby Reeves. Their marriage of over sixty years was marked by devotion and partnership. Following his 1978 assignment to the Pentagon, they settled in Fairfax City, Virginia, and later lived in Purcellville, Virginia, and Durham, North Carolina.

Steve remained anchored in his Catholic faith throughout his life and was a steady presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Though highly accomplished, he spoke most proudly of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Coakley; his son, Stephen R. Coakley and wife Marge; his daughter, Dyane R. Rice and husband Kirby; his grandchildren, Jordan Nelson, Taylor Wiley, Stephen T. Coakley, Ethan Rice, and Erin Rice; his great-grandchildren, Daniel Wiley, Liam Wiley, Meyer Nelson, and Merritt May Nelson; and his sisters, Faith Mulrooney and Helen Reagan.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at St. Matthews Catholic Church, officiated by Father John. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Clements Funeral Home in Durham on Monday, March 2, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen's memory to The Liberty Hospice, 3424 N. Duke Street, Suite 201, Durham, NC 27704 (919-471-1368).