Robert E. Coakley Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Robert E. Coakley

09/04/1947 - 07/08/2017

Obituary For Robert E. Coakley

Robert E. Coakley, 69 of Buckeye, Arizona formerly of Rockland, MA died on July 8, 2017 at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona. He was born at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston to his late parents Robert and Mary (McGovern) Coakley. He was raised and educated in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. He attended Mission Grammar school and Mission High School, class of 1965. Bob served as an altar boy, played in the Mission band where he got his love for music and sang in the choir. He was an active member of the Mission Church in Roxbury and received all of his sacraments there most notably the sacrament of Marriage to his loving bride of 48 years Catherine A. (O'Keefe) Coakley. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served our country. He had a distinguished career in the telecommunications field working for AT&T, Lucent and Avaya. A longtime Rockland resident, Bob played an active leadership role in youth sports serving on the Board of Directors of Rockland Youth Football. He coached Rockland Youth and Holy Family Church CYO Baseball. He was well known for his skills in announcing Rockland for high school sporting events on WRPS radio. An active member of the parish community at Holy Family Church in Rockland he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher. After moving to Arizona 12 years ago, Bob became active in Council # 9467 of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Past Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed travelling, especially on cruises and trips to Las Vegas. In addition to his wife Cathy, he is survived by his sons, Robert E. Coakley and his wife Tara of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Brian P. Coakley and his wife Terry of Rockland, William M. Coakley and his wife Karen of Plymouth, Joseph P. Coakley and his wife Carrie of Norton and his "Fifth Son" Joshua S. Aparicio of Panama City, Panama. Bob was the brother of Francis P. Coakley and his wife Denise of Peabody, Lillian M. Murphy and her husband John of Marshfield, Son in law of Gert O'Keefe of Holbrook and brother in law to Gerry Kearns of Daytona, Florida, Peggy Leary and her husband Jack of Mesa, Arizona and Ed O'Keefe and Linda of Hingham. He was most proud of his role as Papa to Christopher and his wife Raven, Stephen, Caitlyn, Oliver, Susie, Will, Brady, Lucas, Colin and Fiona. Bob's family would like to invite family and friends to join them as they celebrate his life at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street, Rockland on Monday, July 17, 2017 from 5:00-8-00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Mission Church, 1545 Tremont St. in Roxbury. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Donations in his memory may be made to Mission Church, 1545 Tremont St. Roxbury, MA 02120

Services

17 Jul

Visitation

17:00 PM - 20:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

18 Jul

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM

Mission Church 1545 Tremont Street Roxbury, MA Get Directions »

18 Jul

Interment with Military Honors

14:15 PM

Massachusetts National Cemetery Connery Avenue Bourne, MA 02532 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

05/26/2021

Janet Marks

To the Coakley Family, so sorry for your loss.
05/26/2021

kathy DeGiacomo Murray

Cathy I was sorry to hear about Bobby passing , I remember he always had a big smile my thoughts and prayers are with you and your
05/26/2021

Peter Gray

Very sorry for your loss, I still remember vividly your kind words when you were comforting me at Franny Ward's wake and funeral. May your happy memories carry you through the difficult times ahead.
05/26/2021

Bernard Lizotte

Cathy so sorry for your loss. Mary and I were in Mass. when Fr. Billy told me he passed. What a great person and will be sorely missed.
05/26/2021

Donna MacDonald

Dear Cathy and Family , I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband Bob,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
05/26/2021

Catherine Thurston

To the Coakley family I am so sorry for your loss. When I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Coakley with Mrs. Coakley it was when they were traveling after retirement to vacation and travel to be with family.
05/26/2021

Hedda Schaffner

Coakley Family: So sorry for Your loss. I remember Bobby well from school and especially the Band. Great guy! My thoughts and Prayers are with You at this difficult time.
05/26/2021

Mary Sousa

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are praying you and your family.
05/26/2021

kevin gillis

Dear Cathy and Family, We were so sorry to hear about Bob, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kevin and Kathleen Gillis
05/26/2021

Richard Mynes

Cathy, I was so sorry to hear Bob had passed away. I remember Bob back in grammar school, he always had the biggest smile, and was probably the nicest guy in class ! I will miss him, and I'm glad we got to meet again. God Bless.
05/26/2021

Cathy, I am very sorry for the loss of your husband, Bob.
Billy Tedeschi
05/26/2021

Dan McNally

Coakley family - I am very sorry for your loss. Your father/grandfather/husband was a wonderful man
05/26/2021

Karen Casey

I worked with Bob at Lucent in the 80's. One of the nicest man I have ever met. Great person. Condolences to his family and friends.
05/26/2021

Christine

I am very sorry for your loss. My prayer is that in days to come you continue finding comfort from those who will always love and support you. (Matthew 5:4)
05/26/2021

Metcalf, Don & Joyce

Cathy, we were s0 s0rry to hear of Bob's passing..we have wonderful memories of good times passed! Due to a previous commitment we will not be able to attend his services,but know that our thoughts and prayers will be wiyh you and your family. Love to all,Don and Joyce Metcalf
05/26/2021

Gary Arivella

To the Coakley Family. I worked with Bob for many years at AT&T, Lucent. He was one of the most gentle and kind and positive man I ever associated with. Please accept my condolences at his passing, Bob will always hold a special place for me. Praying for all of you. Gary Arivella co-worker, Haverhill, Ma
05/26/2021

Karen Laughon

Cathy, I met Bob when we worked together for New England Telephone in the early 1970's. And then again at Lucent. He was a great guy. And I remember going out with both of you and singing songs at different telephone gatherings. I am thinking of you at this time.
05/26/2021

Steve Budkiewicz

I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was so instrumental in the establishment of WRPS, both as an advisor and volunteer. His telecommunications experience enabled the station to set up vital broadcast lines linking the high school with several remote sites throughout the South Shore. He also set a wonderful example and was a role model to our students, announcing our sporting events. I will be forever grateful for his support and send my thoughts and prayers to his entire family.
05/26/2021

Linda Caires

Ed and Linda, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your brother-in-law. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rick, Linda, Samantha, Holly, Alexander, and James Caires
05/26/2021

TO THE FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME
JEREMIAH 29:11

PR~
05/26/2021

Patuie Evans-DeVoe

Cathy I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing my prays and though are with you and your boys. RIP
05/26/2021

Lloyd & Lydia Cadle

We loved seeing Bob at St. Henry Church in Buckeye, Az. I had the privilege of serving with Bob at the St. Henry Knights of Columbus. My wife Lydia and my children all loved and enjoyed the company of Bob and Cathy tremendously. Bob was an excellent Catholic Christian and great leader for all of us. We will all miss him, but we know that the Triune God, Angels and Saints will love being with Bob in eternity. Blessings, the Cadle family.