Thomas J. Coffey

Thomas J. Coffey of Sanford, died peacefully Sunday, July 2, 2017 at his home in Sanford just 6 days shy of his 91st birthday. He was born in Milton, MA on July 8, 1926. He joined the Army in 1941 and after serving his country, graduated from McGill University and became a physical science teacher in the New Hampshire school district until his retirement. He spent many years in the Franklin, NH area raising his two boys, Tom, Jr. and Tim. He then met Francis Lynn Talbot in 1983, married in 1993 and officially became "Pa" to our family.Tom built two homes in his life. His pride and joy being his camp on Mooselookmeguntic Lake near Rangeley, Maine. He was an avid wood worker and was always working on a new project. He crafted a new miniature sleigh for his wife Lynn every Christmas. In his younger years he enjoyed cooking, needlepoint, stonework and gardening. Reading was a passion of his as well and he could recite his favorite poetry from memory almost to the very end. Tom was a hard worker who loved his family and friends. He was known for his Irish singing and stories. Most of all, he enjoyed his 'noggin' whiskey and was always ready for the next toast. He made us laugh everyday.In addition to his parents and siblings, he was predeceased by his infant daughter, Mary Beatrice in 1965, his son Timothy in 2004, his daughter- in -law Karen in December of 2016 and most recently his son-in-law David in May of 2017.Tom is survived by his wife Lynn, son Thomas Coffey, Jr. of Waltham, MA, stepdaughters Donna L. Legere of Shapleigh, Maine, Debbie Lavertu and husband Daniel of Sanford, Maine, Dawn M. Brown and husband James of Springvale, Maine; stepsons, Daniel Talbot and partner Lynne of Sanford, Maine and Darren Talbot and partner Susan of Shapleigh, Maine. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Justin Lavertu, Daniel and Tyler Coffey, Christopher and Nolan Talbot and Benjamin and Tallyn Brown. He was also the proud great grandfather to Alexis Lavertu, Nolan and Jamie Coffey.At the family's request, there will be no public services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in his name to the Springvale Public Library, 443 Main Street, Springvale, Maine or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Laugh, and the world laughs with you;Weep, and you weep alone.For the sad old earth must borrow its mirthBut has trouble enough of its own. -WilcoxArrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.