Obituary of Gerald E. Coffey

COFFEY, Gerald E. "Jerry" of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Gerald E. Coffey was born on March 11, 1934 in Saginaw, to the late Jack and Mary (Brewer) Coffey. He married Teresa J. Dilloway on November 25, 1955 in Saginaw; she preceded him in death on April 19, 2012. Jerry was a graduate of Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit in 1954. While he was there he was involved with the choir, was an altar server and played football where he earned the nickname "Speedy". He then furthered his education at Saginaw Valley College and was the editor for the student newspaper and then transferred to Central Michigan University graduating with his Bachelors in Education. Jerry was a teacher for many years with the Saginaw Public Schools retiring in the late 1980's. During that time he also ran for Saginaw County Commissioner. Jerry was a faithful member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, his love for the Lord reflected in his daily life, sharing his faith with his family and all of those around him. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family, playing pool, singing and spending time in his yard. Surviving are four sons and two daughters: Kevin (Julie) Coffey, Julie (Glenn) Olsen, Patrick (Kim) Coffey, John (Robin) Coffey, William (Lisa) Coffey and Rebecca (Todd) LaPlante; 23 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Robert (Patricia) Coffey, Michael (Sharon) Coffey, Sharon Coffey, Margaret (Larry) Schmidt, Frances (Michael) Manchester, and David (Debra) Coffey; and a brother-in-law, Frank Lemiesz. Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Jacqueline Lemiesz; and his brother, Patrick Coffey. FUNERAL: Jerry's Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St. Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Jerry will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com