IN MEMORY OF MONSIGNOR COFFEY

Msgr. Coffey was my first pastor to work for after my ordination to the diaconate In 1981.   Although he had recommended me for ordination, I was a little intimidated
as I waited for his return from vacation in Ireland.   I needn't have worried.  I found him to be very encouraging and supportive, a real mentor ( although he checked my first few homilies to be sure I wasn't "preaching any heresy").  He became "Fr. Andy" and I was "Mr. Paul". We worked together for many years until his retirement, and beyond.   I shall miss him.     Deacon Paul

Msgr. Coffey was a quiet type person, but you were aware of his presence in a group.  His stance was holding his hands down together in front of his body.  I so enjoyed our conversations together, even though they weren't as often as I wish now.  When Lent arrives........I certainly will miss him not there enjoying our 7 weeks of different soup.  There were times I'd ask him how he was doing.......he'd say fairly meddling..........I would say well at least you are meddling!  He would give me his little smile back and look into my eyes.  I truly will miss not seeing him prior to Sat. night Masses anymore.  He was ALWAYS there listening to parishioners confessions.  He fought his fight well, as long as his body would let him, unfortunately, in the end he lost.  I will miss his hugs.........his love, and his presence.........may he rest in peace.     Betty Paro (and Tom from above)

When we returned to Davis ten years ago, we were glad to renew our acquaintance with Monsignor Coffey, whom we had got to know during our previous stay in Davis in the 1970s.  Of course we'll remember him as a good priest and pastor.  But our fondest memories are of Father Coffey simply as a warm, sympathetic, and wise person.  He enjoyed a good story and a good glass of wine.  He laughed with delight at the seriocomic adventures of Evelyn Waugh's character Apthorpe and his proud possession, “Connolly's  Chemical Closet.”  Though regretting the tragedy of the Great Western Schism, Father Coffey agreed that the papacy's “captivity” in Avignon might be regarded as a “felix culpa,” given the legacy of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  And as he said daily Mass in the quiet company of his beloved dog, some of those assisting were reminded not only of St. Francis but also of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans: “For the whole creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God” (8:19).  We will certainly all miss Monsignor Coffey.    Linda and Julian Irias

My parents, Bob & Daisy Kelleher, weren’t allowed to marry in the Catholic Church when they first got married because my mom wasn’t Catholic. My Dad was in the Air Force and we moved around until he retired here in Davis. Monsignor got him to return to the church and he also baptized and confirmed my Mom and confirmed my Dad. It was on their 25th Anniversary that they both got their “church wedding” celebrated (of course) by Monsignor. He then baptized all 4 of their grandchildren, baptized my sister Kathy, and baptized and confirmed me!

But that wasn’t all……he also celebrated a renewal of vows for my parents 50th Anniversary and he also con-celebrated at both Mom & Dad’s funeral services. I also will never forget my brother’s funeral, when we were at the Yolo Flyers Memorial Cemetery.  I looked up and who did I see but Monsignor, Father Dan and Father Richard walking towards me in the cemetery. I will never forget that feeling. I took a deep breath and knew then everything would be OK.  They had come to the service and I hadn’t even known.  It’s that quiet support that has helped me through the rough times in my life. The thing about my family’s relationship with Monsignor is that it is not unusual. A lot of other families have the same story. Thanks Monsignor!!  How we all will miss you...   Pattie Kelleher

I remember when I first started attending St James Church someone told me Monsignor Coffey so loved to have company there was always some priest visiting the rectory.  A visiting priest or missionary would be invited to come and speak, or any priest passing through the area on his way to somewhere else knew he would be welcomed to stay over.  Apparently, it happened with such regularity, the rectory became known as the 'Coffey Hilton'.  :-)

I served on Monsignor Coffey's Parish Council from 1989 to 1991 when we first began work on his desire to establish Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St James. It continues today as a part of his legacy to our Parish.  He was a good man and a presence in our parish even after retirement.  He'll be sorely missed.  Donna Turcot

Although my late husband, Robert, joined St. James in 1992, the rest of my family members have been long-time parishioners.  We always addressed Monsignor affectionately as Father Coffey when we spoke to him.  It is my observation that Fr. Coffey acted with vision and courage of a wise CEO in his administration of the parish.  During his tenure, several young priests came to St. James to serve as his assistants.  He always seemed to know whom to let go and when to let them go.

On a personal note, just a few days before Robert’s memorial Mass, I telephoned Fr. Coffey and asked him to con-celebrate at the Mass and to do the first reading, as well.  His immediate reply was “I’ll be honored to do it”.  That speaks well about his graciousness and humility.  Father Coffey will be greatly missed.  Sylvia Wong

I am deeply grateful to Msgr. Coffee for jump starting my spiritual journey that was, in the 1970's, stuck in a ditch. I was at the time  overwhelmed with difficulties at work in one of the periodic UCD financial collapses. For reasons I could not fathom, he asked me to become a Eucharistic Minister at a time I was a minimally active Catholic. I don't know what he saw in me or why he chose me. I was very nervous, but as I began that enormous responsibility suddenly I regained my perspective about what really counted. I am eternally grateful for his insight.   Tom Cahill 

As with so many people, Msgr. was "our priest."  He was there for all our joys and for our great sorrows--he was there in very real, tangible ways as priest and as a beloved friend. I was blessed to serve him on the Pastoral Council and the Finance Council ( I don't think he really enjoyed those meetings, but you would never know it!). Since my ordination, I often saw him just before the Saturday 5:30pm Mass (he had just heard confessions or was celebrating Mass) and when he would see me he always asked if I was "laying on the Word," his way of asking if I was preaching.  I will miss that greeting, maybe more than I can realize at this moment.  I recall the last words of the Prayer of St Francis, "And in dying that we are born to Eternal Life," that enchanting, glorious Irish life unending. Peace.  Deacon Clark Goecker

I work at the front desk at Fort Sutter Infusion. I was always happy to see Monsignor Coffey. He was always so kind. When he moved from Davis to Midtown and had to take the van, I always worried about him. I'd walk down with him to make sure he got on the van ok. He really liked his new place. He was a true joy. I will miss him very much. Love.  Debbie Lowe

When our daughter Tara died, Monsignor Coffey prayed, “Now let your servant depart in peace…”  That made me realize she wasn’t just our daughter but God’s daughter as well, and helped ease my grief.  And when Monsignor apologized for his tears, it underscored his humanity and endeared him to me forever.  Janet Gift

Msgr. Coffey was such a gentle soul who always, even when he was ill had a smile in his eyes whenever I spoke to him.  I remember the first day I saw him on his “day off”. He came out of the rectory with his blue sweater, and his hat-remember that hat?! He heard Henry and William’s first confessions and I believe he helped them relax.  Msgr. was such a thoughtful man too and even apologized for not being able to attend Hank’s funeral because he had chemotherapy. I believe that he is up there with Hank and I hope they are relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company.  Karey Spivey

If you have a fond memory of Monsignor Coffey that you would like to share or if you would just like to 'say something' about Monsignor please send your message to catherine.neff@sbcglobal.net for inclusion in our website 'In Memory of Monsignor Coffey.'