It is with great sadness that the family of Lt. Colonel Arthur M Coakley of Wall Township announce his peaceful passing on January 9th, 2021. His wife Patricia and two sons were at his side.
Arthur is predeceased by his parents, Henry J. Coakley & Bridget (Rafter) Coakley, and his eldest son Michael A. Coakley.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Klimko) Coakley, son James A. Coakley & wife Lisa Coakley of Brick, NJ and their children Ethan & Emma Coakley, and son Timothy A. Coakley & wife Genessa Coakley of Chatsworth, NJ and their son Noah Coakley. Also daughter-in-law Lorraine Zara and grandsons Michael & Nicholas Coakley. His brother Henry R Coakley & wife Rosemary and their three daughters and families. His brother-in-law Gregory Klimko.
Born and raised in Newark, Arthur graduated from Westside HS in Newark where he excelled in track & field. Went on to earn his BS in Engineering and MBA from Seton Hall University.
After marrying in 1964, Arthur and Patricia moved to Shark River Hills, eventually settling in Wall Township for the past 45 years.
Throughout his career he worked in the high tech ceramic industry as an engineer and manufacturer's consultant.
Arthur served more than 35 years as a Reservist in US Army Corps of Engineers. Art attended and graduated from OCS in Fort Sill, OK. He was also a proud graduate of the Airborne School.
Arthur was a devoted husband to Patricia, and proud father and mentor to his three sons. Always willing to volunteer his time and resources with the Boy Scouts and the high school track team.
Arthur was an avid hunter and fisherman, and early Charter Boat Captain for over 60 years. He could regularly be found fishing from bridge or the bank of a trout stream. He was always the most happy when he could share his knowledge with a child just learning the craft. Arthur was an active member of numerous local clubs and national associations including; American Legion Post 346, Neptune, NJ, Shark River Surf Anglers Club, Cookstown Hunting & Fishing Club, National Rifle Assn., 82nd Airborne Division Assn., and US Reserve Officers Assn.
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, the family will announce a memorial service in the months to come. It is Arthur's wish for his ashes to ultimately be scattered at sea.
Arthur would want all memories of him to be happy ones and to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shark River Surf Anglers Children's Trout Contest, C/O James Coakley 80 N. Sailors Quay Drive, Brick, NJ 08723
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall Twp.