Obituary of Clarence Fabian Coffey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the very peaceful passing of Clarence Fabian Coffey on July 26, 2025, surrounded by his family. Clarence was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty, his parents Ida and Walter, infant sister Janet, brother Wayne, as well as deceased members of the Coffey, Dalton, and Griffin families, too many to name. He is survived by his children: Michael (Joyce), Todd (Sandy), Janet (Todd), Ellen (Mark), and Stephen (Lisa). He was a cherished grandfather to Kendra (George), Melanie (Candace), Jamie, Michael, Ashley, Jordan (Kathleen), Daniel (Eve), Mariah (Brendan), Stephen (Gabriel), and Julie (Ethan). He was also a proud great-grandfather to George and Molly. He is also survived by his siblings Richard (Darlene), Joan (Harold), Brian (Betty), Melvin (Leonella), Diane, and Walter. Clarence was a man of strength, generosity, and resilience. In his younger years, he worked in Churchill Falls, where he famously lied about his age to obtain a driver’s license so he could operate heavy equipment. True to his Angel Cove roots, he settled in the tiny Cove and worked on the Cape, provided garbage disposal and collection for the Cape Shore, and made a living from farming and hunting the land. He could be seen cutting hay throughout the Cape Shore, in Branch and Point Lance, and when it came to hunting time, no moose stood a chance. He loved a good drink and was known for his unmistakable whistle after a “swallie,” and his rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Love is a Burning Thing.” Clarence instilled in his children a deep appreciation for hard work and the importance of helping others. He was known for his generosity, often giving more than he ever asked for, ensuring no one around him went without. Life brought its share of hardships, including the tragic loss of his brother, the passing of his beloved wife at a young age, and a stroke he suffered in 2005. Through it all, he remained resilient. With the unwavering support of his youngest son Stephen and daughter-in-law Lisa, he enjoyed remaining in the comfort of his own home until 2023, when he transitioned to St. Luke’s Mercy Home. There, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures: a feed of moose, an ice-cold beer, and lively banter with his buddy Frank. He formed close bonds with many of the LPNs and nurses, affectionately referring to them as “his women,” especially Corinna, Carolyn, Sarah, and “Young Kehoe,” who brought him comfort, laughter, and companionship. At Clarence’s request, he is resting at Coombs Funeral Home with visitation taking place on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 in Coombs Memorial Chapel and then burial at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery in Patrick’s Cove. “May you be half an hour in heaven, before the devil knows you’re dead”