Thomas George Coffey, Korean war veteran, retired Nyack Police Chief, and the fourth president (1974 - 1984) of Pearl River Little League, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 94.
A career law enforcement official, Thomas Coffey moved to Pearl River in 1968, and became involved in PRLL around 1972, as his daughter was playing softball in the program run by Chuck Isberg. Tom became vice-president only a few months before president Art Hopper died in March, 1973. Upon becoming the League’s fourth President, he became familiar with every function in the League, and served PRLL as President for 11 years (the second longest tenure of any PRLL president). He ran the concession stand, often single-handedly, for many of those years. He was involved in the expansion of the softball program and the planning for the new Senior Girls Field (now called McCarthy Field), which opened in 1983. The softball announcing booth (The Coffey House) is named in his honor.
The official obituary can be seen on the Hannemann Funeral Home website (Link).
Text of obituary:
Obituary for Thomas George Coffey
Thomas George Coffey
Retired Nyack Chief of Police
March 17, 1930 – October 19,2024
Thomas George Coffey, of Pearl River NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 94. Born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1930 in Nyack, NY. Tom lived a life marked by service, leadership, and a deep love for his family and community.
Tom was a graduate of Haverstraw High School and went on to get a degree in Animal Husbandry from the NYS Institute of Agriculture at Cobleskill. After graduation he was drafted into the army during the Korean War.
In 1955 he met the love of his life Ruth A. O’Hara and married her later that year.
Tom was a proud member of various law enforcement and veterans’ organizations. He was a long-standing member of the New York State and Rockland County Retired Chiefs of Police Associations, the Retired Police Association of the State of NY, and the American Legion, where he served as an Officer and Commander of the John Secor Post 329 in Pearl River. In addition to various positions at the state and county level. Tom was passionate about supporting Blue Star families and The Boys Club. He also ran and supported the Camp Shanks Museum for many years preserving the history of those who served. Tom remained an active member of the Korean War Veterans’ organization and American Legion; his service to his country was a point of immense pride.
Tom also served as President of the Pearl River Little League (1974-1984) after spending many years as a coach and running the Snack Stand. His commitment to the community’s youth was well known.
Tom’s dedication to law enforcement was unmatched. He began his career as a Patrolman in Piermont eventually transferring to the Village of Nyack in 1956, rising through the ranks to become the Chief of Police. He served with distinction for 32 years, retiring as Chief of the Nyack Police Department.
A true pillar of the community, Tom Coffey will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his family and the people he served will never be forgotten.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tom is survived by his children: Clare Mulqueen (Michael), Thomas G. Coffey Jr. (Catherine), Michael J. Coffey (Jeanne), and James P. Coffey. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters Lorraine Holmes and Genevieve Coffey and brother-in-law George O’Hara (Betty).
Tom was predeceased by his cherished wife of 69 years, Ruth A. Coffey, and his grandson, Michael J. Coffey Jr.
Services will be held at Hannemann Funeral Home where family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of this remarkable man. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Ruth.