Eugene Walter Coakley

Worcester

Eugene Walter "Nene" Coakley, 92, of Worcester died Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Jewish Healthcare Center.

He leaves two sons, Dr. John F. Coakley and his wife Mary Frances and Kevin J. Coakley and his wife, Amy Wolf; his grandchildren, Matthew H. Coakley of Worcester, John Coakley and his wife Jessica of Jackson, WY, Timothy Coakley of Jackson, WY, Patriac Coakley of Sharon, Deirdre Eldredge and her husband Joshua of W. Yarmouth, Meghan Coakley of Sharon and Molly Sue Coakley of South Wellfleet; a great grandson, Matthew J. Coakley of Leicester; several nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law, Janet Lund of Far Hills, NJ. Two brothers, Cornelius and John, predeceased him.
He was born in Worcester, son of the late Nora (McCarthy) Coakley and John Coakley. His wife of 58 years, Susan C. (Hays) Coakley died in 2000.

He graduated from Commerce High School, Fitchburg State College, and Boston University, where he received his masters in Education. Mr. Coakley's first five years of teaching were in Provincetown. He served in the Army during WWII and returned to Worcester to become an industrial arts teacher at Commerce, Classical and Doherty High Schools from 1945 to 1979. During the 1950's and 1960's he was a driving instructor for the Worcester Public Schools. During football season he was a trainer at Foley Stadium for many years. He had a warm rapport with all his students.

He was a life long member of St. Stephen's Church. He was a member of the Washington Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Grafton Hill American Legion Post. He was an avid walker and for many years you would see Mr. Coakley walking the streets of Grafton Hill. He also enjoyed cooking. Mr. Coakley was very dedicated to his wife, Susan, and all his family. After retiring, Nene and Sue spent many happy summers in Wellfleet enjoying the ocean and the beauty of Cape Cod. They were avid Red Sox fans.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11, from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours, are Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, 01609. The family expresses deep thanks to the entire staff at the Jewish Healthcare Center for their care over the past three years. For directions and online guest book www.callahanfay.com