David W. Coffey 1953-2023

He was born in Erie, Pa., Jan. 1, 1953, to the late John W. and Marjorie J. Jones Coffey.

David was a 1970 graduate of Strong Vincent High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in music from Westminster College in 1974 and a master’s degree in music from Youngstown State University in 1989.

David was a gifted musician. He was a church organist for many years and played for countless services, funerals and weddings, including his younger sister’s. He was active in the American Guild of Organists, serving as dean of his local chapter for a time. David also taught piano and offered accompaniment for many young performers throughout Eastern Ohio and Western Pa. His playing style was strong and confident, and delighted audiences and congregations.

He was drawn to architecture and found beauty in ramshackle farmhouses and abandoned factories. He went on to enjoy a second career as a real estate agent, which fed his constant desire to explore those buildings from the inside.

David was an avid gardener and loved to spend long days working in his yard; spring meant many trays of blooms that needed planting. He collected pottery and enjoyed visiting antique shops and making old things look new. He loved hiking and to take miles-long walks, and was often seen on foot all over Youngstown. He volunteered his time as a reader at the Youngstown Society for the Blind, and in later years at a local cat shelter, and also offered professional services to nonprofit organizations.

Along with his parents, David was preceded in death by an older brother, James E. Coffey.

He is survived by his children, Joshua M. Coffey and his wife, Lesley; Emily A. Coffey Allen and her husband, David; four grandchildren, Jonah, Jasper, Cailyn and Adelyn; two brothers, John S. Coffey and Thomas H. Coffey; and a sister, Linda M. Coffey Harris.

The family is tremendously grateful for all the important people in David’s life, notably, Dominic Russo and the many medical professionals who cared for him.

David had a very difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who are willing, to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 15, Erie, PA 16505, in David’s memory.

Friends are invited to call on the family 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, Downtown, 602 W. 10th St., Erie, Pa., with a service to follow at 4 p.m.

Burial will be private, at the convenience of the family, in Erie Cemetery.

Send condolences at www.burtonquinnscott.com.

(special notice)