Patrick Joseph Coffey

From Wauwatosa WI, and raised in Brooklyn NY, was born in 1932 and entered into eternal life on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020.  Pat’s spirit is carried on by his loving wife of 58 years, Maureen (nee Keegan), his four children Kathy, Kristin, Patrick and Colleen along with their spouses and life partners Henry, Chris, Bridget and Donovan, 8 grandchildren- Patrick, Abby, Nicolas, John, Maureen, Monica, Sarah and Nathan, surviving in-laws Sally, Rita, Roy and Marcia, and many nieces and nephews.  Pat is additionally survived and loved by a number of close communities of friends, prayer partners, fellow AA members, circles and group members, and colleagues from every walk of life.  Patrick was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Josephine and his siblings Jim, Mary, Jerry, Nance and Jack.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Patrick during his 88 years on earth, among them: Value God and family first, be fair and authentic with others, ask for help, search for the truth, come clean and make amends, make the necessary changes to get it right as much as you can, show up and try. Always serve those who need, fish often, and teach others to fish too. Keep humor and tenderness at the center, Ask questions, read, write, evolve, and commit to lifelong learning. Feed the hungry, correspond with the imprisoned, and make time for folks trying to work the program – be kind.

Patrick was a Philosophy professor in ethics and medical ethics at Marquette University for 28 years. He chaired the department for 8 years and chaired and served on medical ethics committees at the medical college of WI and for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Anyone who knew Pat Coffey would tell you he was a fisherman.  He was an avid lake fisher and shared his love with as many as he could, with a trip for some “good eats” and fellowship afterwards. Patrick and Maureen were one of the founding families of the St. Bens meal program, the Ignatian Associates, the Gesu Meal Program, and the Gesu Haiti project.  Patrick was a proud veteran of the army and worked as a supply Sargent during the Korean War.

Patrick’s greatest accomplishment and joy was the family he had with his deeply adored and beautiful bride, Maureen. He is and was so loved and will be so missed!

Gathering at Gesu Parish, 1145 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 9:30 AM. Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM.

Please send donations to Gesu Parish, Haiti Project, P.O. Box 495 Milwaukee WI, 53201.

Checks payable to Gesu Parish Haiti Project.