Obituary of Bernard R. Coffey

Bernard Robert Coffey "Bernie" Elmira: was born in Elmira, New York on July 24, 1941 and died in the Arnot Ogden Hospital on July 26, 2011 after a valiant struggle with cancer. Bernie graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1959 where he participated in various activities and sports and was a State Champion Junior golfer. He entered the Franciscan monastery in Rye, New York immediately after high school to study for the priesthood but left before ordination. Bernie earned a bachelor's and master's degree from St. Bonaventure's University. He began his career in social work in Boston with various non-profit organizations. He transferred to Washington, DC and was employed by numerous non-profits and Federal agencies. He ended his career at the Central Intelligence Agency and retired to Elmira. Bernie was married and divorced twice but had no children. He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Coffey and M. Gladys "Ging" Coffey of Elmira and brothers, Brian and Kevin Coffey of Rochester, NY. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Jerome Coffey of Bozeman, MT and sister, Joan and brother-in-law Charles Robinson of Seffner, FL and nieces and nephews, Brigid Hassrick of Ogden, UT, Dennis Coffey, of Seattle, WA, Deborah Coffey of Brockport, NY, Steven Coffey of Rochester, NY, Christina Wittmeyer of Brandon, FL and Dr. Paul Robinson of Keller, TX. Special thanks must go to the staff of the Arnot Ogden Hospital for Bernie's final care and to Richard and Virginia Woodhouse and Larry Greenfield of Elmira who remained true and loyal friends to the end. A memorial service will be held at the McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Lewis Brown, a classmate of Bernie's, will officiate and Bernie's ashes will be interned in the family plot at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery.