Obituary of William E. Coffey

COFFEY, WILLIAM E., SR "Bill" 88 - of North Cape May, passed away Thursday morning, January 20, 2011. Bill was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 18, 1922 to John C. and Susan J. (Doherty) Coffey. Bill was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, class of 1940. He married his devoted wife of 67 years, the late Ann M. Coffey, on August 22, 1942. Bill honorably served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II as a hydraulic aircraft mechanic, specializing in the B-17 Bomber. After leaving the service in 1945, he began a lifelong career as an automotive mechanic, where his mechanical expertise allowed him to service a wide range of automobiles, including high end and luxury models. A highlight of his career was when he was commissioned to help build the engine for the Phantom II Rolls-Royce which was used in the 1964 movie "The Yellow Rolls-Royce," In addition to automobiles, Bill was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast. Bill and his wife Ann relocated to Delaware . County (Folcroft and Glenolden) in 1955, where they raised their family. In 1978, they became permanent residents of the Cape May area. Bill was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He also was a member of American Legion Post 193, the Catholic War Veterans, and the Knights of Columbus. A devout and practicing Catholic until his last day, he held strongly his religious beliefs and deep faith in eternal life. Bill was loved deeply and will be truly missed. The many life lessons and wisdom he gifted to his children and grandchildren will be cherished and never forgotten. In June 2010, Bill lost his beloved wife Ann. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Robert J. in 2001, and William E., Jr. in 2009. Bill is survived by his loving sister, Helen Miller of West Chester, P A; son John (Susan) Coffey of Lewes, DE; daughter Diane (David) Eckard of Wallingford, PA; daughter Susan Fletcher of North Cape May; and daughter-in-law Eileen. Also surviving are his 12 grandchildren: William, John, Tara, Erin, Diane, Robert, Ryan, Kimberly, Kristin, David, Stephen, and Eric along with eight great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, January 25,2011 at 1:00 PM in the Veteran's section of Cold Spring Cemetery, Cold Spring, New Jersey. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to St. John Neumann Church, 680 Town Bank Road, North Cape May, New Jersey 08204. Arrangements were made by Evoy Funeral Home.