Journal entry by Mark Coffey —
John P. Coffey
June 9, 1941 - August 24, 2018
John P. Coffey 77, loving husband, father and grandfather was called home to God in Raleigh, N.C. after a 13-month valiant battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma).
His funeral mass will be at 1:00 pm, on Friday September 21st, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC. Fr. Steve Patti will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the church.
His remains will be interred in the St. Francis Church Columbarium following the service.
John was born in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Alice Quinn Coffey and William J. Coffey, both preceded him in death. Left to carry his memory, is the love of his life, Mary Jo Coffey, his wife of 52 years, his daughter, Michelle Paul (Tom) of Wenatchee, Washington, son Mark (Jenny) of Raleigh, and grandchildren, Peyton and Carter Paul, and Quinn Coffey, two brothers, William J. Coffey of Seminole, Florida, Michael P. Coffey of Sevierville, Tennessee, beloved cousins and nieces and nephews.
John was a graduate of Peoria Spalding High School, Lewis University and received his Master of Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University. He served as Sergeant in the 6th U. S. Army during the Vietnam War.
John retired after 33 years with State Farm Insurance Company as an Executive Vice President and member of the Chairman’s Council. He served leadership roles on various boards including, Bloomington, Illinois Holy Trinity Parish school board, President of McLean County Center for Human Services, Board of Directors for Chestnut Health Systems, Vice Chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, food donation coordinator for St. Peter’s Parish, Jupiter Florida, Director of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 530 in Durham. He was awarded Eastern Illinois University College of Business Distinguished Alumnae and served as a leader on their Master’s Degree in Business Dean’s Advisory Board. John was a proudly devoted parishioner of Raleigh’s St. Francis of Assisi Church and volunteered assisting as a consultant with his background in Human Resources.
John was also an ardent college football follower and a diehard University of Notre Dame football fan. He loved a good game of golf with his friends and fishing trips. He was an avid reader, loved traveling with his family, and had a talent for great story telling with wit and humor.
John was a mentor, loyal friend, and confidante who touched many lives by his advice, generosity, humor, valuable insight and ability to listen and share wisdom. He was a pillar of strength to his family and will be remembered by his love, humor, wisdom and support.
Special thank yous to Father Steve Patti at St. Francis Church in Raleigh, NC, the brain cancer team at Duke, Transitions Hospice of Wake County, and the great caring team at Magnolia Glen Assisted Living.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC or the Preston Robert Tisch brain tumor center at Duke hospital in Durham, NC.
June 9, 1941 - August 24, 2018
John P. Coffey 77, loving husband, father and grandfather was called home to God in Raleigh, N.C. after a 13-month valiant battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma).
His funeral mass will be at 1:00 pm, on Friday September 21st, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC. Fr. Steve Patti will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the church.
His remains will be interred in the St. Francis Church Columbarium following the service.
John was born in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Alice Quinn Coffey and William J. Coffey, both preceded him in death. Left to carry his memory, is the love of his life, Mary Jo Coffey, his wife of 52 years, his daughter, Michelle Paul (Tom) of Wenatchee, Washington, son Mark (Jenny) of Raleigh, and grandchildren, Peyton and Carter Paul, and Quinn Coffey, two brothers, William J. Coffey of Seminole, Florida, Michael P. Coffey of Sevierville, Tennessee, beloved cousins and nieces and nephews.
John was a graduate of Peoria Spalding High School, Lewis University and received his Master of Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University. He served as Sergeant in the 6th U. S. Army during the Vietnam War.
John retired after 33 years with State Farm Insurance Company as an Executive Vice President and member of the Chairman’s Council. He served leadership roles on various boards including, Bloomington, Illinois Holy Trinity Parish school board, President of McLean County Center for Human Services, Board of Directors for Chestnut Health Systems, Vice Chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, food donation coordinator for St. Peter’s Parish, Jupiter Florida, Director of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 530 in Durham. He was awarded Eastern Illinois University College of Business Distinguished Alumnae and served as a leader on their Master’s Degree in Business Dean’s Advisory Board. John was a proudly devoted parishioner of Raleigh’s St. Francis of Assisi Church and volunteered assisting as a consultant with his background in Human Resources.
John was also an ardent college football follower and a diehard University of Notre Dame football fan. He loved a good game of golf with his friends and fishing trips. He was an avid reader, loved traveling with his family, and had a talent for great story telling with wit and humor.
John was a mentor, loyal friend, and confidante who touched many lives by his advice, generosity, humor, valuable insight and ability to listen and share wisdom. He was a pillar of strength to his family and will be remembered by his love, humor, wisdom and support.
Special thank yous to Father Steve Patti at St. Francis Church in Raleigh, NC, the brain cancer team at Duke, Transitions Hospice of Wake County, and the great caring team at Magnolia Glen Assisted Living.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC or the Preston Robert Tisch brain tumor center at Duke hospital in Durham, NC.
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