Obituary of David John Coffey

Our beloved husband, father and brother David John Coffey is now resting peacefully in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ after a lengthy illness. David passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He was 75 years old, and was very proud of his strong Catholic faith. April 17, 1945 he was born on the eastside of Saginaw, MI, in a large Irish family to the late John Lawrence and Mary Ellen Brewer Coffey. Dave married his wife and best friend of 23 years Deborah Lynn (Howay) Coffey on August 2, 1997 in a memorable ceremony on Mackinac Island MI. Graduating in 1964 from St. Andrews High School, where he was a football, baseball and basketball standout (#27); where he was respectably named team captain in his senior year. This earned him all state recognition in 1963-1964 and a full academic and football scholarship to Hillsdale College. Dave later earned his bachelors in teaching at Western Michigan University and his master's degree at Central Michigan University in Special Education. Dave was a teacher at Saginaw High school from 1968-1973 and then later at the former Douglas MacArthur High School from 1974-1985. He coached both football and baseball, for many years he touched the lives of various students in the classroom and athletes on the field. Making a significant impact in these kids' lives using his hardnosed old school style coaching, and his belief that hard work pays off. He was also voted most popular teacher during his time at Douglas MacArthur High School. Dave spent many hours volunteering /coaching at Saginaw Township Little League, Freeland Little League and the Freeland and Midland youth football leagues. He loved coaching his children and their numerous sports teams. He was always the loudest coach or parent on the field and in the stands. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. Always saying he wanted the kids to know he is here and has their backs. Everyone loved to gather at his former Bar and Grill Levi's Saloon. He would meet and greet everyone at the door with a pint or a Jameson Irish Whiskey in his hand ready to chat. Levis remained a very popular Saginaw Township establishment for many years, from 1985-2001. As well as former Old Town Warehouse and co-owned Casey O'Coffeys with his brother Bob. Dave had a competitive nature about him, especially when it came to playing our annual family corn hole tournaments. He also loved to dance and was always the life of the party. He loved football and was a devoted Michigan State and Notre Dame fan. He loved to travel, with many trips to Big Bay in the U.P. as well as Kentucky, Florida and Georgia to be with family. He was an avid golfer, taking numerous golf trips, and was very proud of his hole in one at Beech Hollow in 1995. Not to mention he took many trips to Ireland. He greatly enjoyed visiting the local pubs and interacting with the friendly people of Ireland. While being there he spent many hours researching the Coffey family history, which he later got too pass on to family. Dave founded the Tri County Irish American Club in 1978, he was a very proud Irishman. Dave is cherished in memory by his loving wife, Deborah; his children, Ryan (Josette) Coffey of White Cloud MI, Erin (Thomas) Schneider of Atlanta GA, Jacob Patrick Coffey of East Lansing MI, Alyssa Maree Coffey of Kalamazoo MI and Matthew (Laura) Reinke East Lansing MI; grandchildren: Theresa, John, Clare, Gabriel, Joseph, Isabelle, Michael, Thomas, Benedict, Elizabeth, Dominic, Easton, and his companion, Buddy. Also surviving Dave are his brother Michael (Sharon) Coffey, brother Robert (Patricia) Coffey, sister Sharon Coffey, sister Margaret (Larry) Schmidt, sister Francis (Michael) Manchester, all reside in Saginaw MI, and so many incredible nieces and nephews to cherish his memory. Dave was preceded in death: parents John and Mary Ellen Coffey, sister Jacqueline Lemiesz, and two brothers, Gerald Coffey and Patrick Coffey. To: Our Healthsource family...we cannot thank you enough for all your hard work, dedication, and help throughout this journey. You have forever touched our lives, Coach loved you all and our family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as we are blessed to have crossed paths with you all! FUNERAL: In keeping with the Covid 19 restrictions, private services for David will take place on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM from St. Agnes Church, Freeland, Michigan. Rev. Fr. Andrew LaFramboise to officiate. Family has asked to please keep them in mind during this day and say a special prayer for them. Interment to follow in St. Andrews Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers please consider Healthsource Saginaw Great Lakes unit activities. Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Coffey family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting DeiserFuneralHome.com.