John F Coakley

John F. Coakley, 85, Retired Worcester Police Chief, passed away in Englewood, Florida, February 21st 2017.  Jack was born in Worcester, June 23rd, 1931 a son of John and Mary Coakley.   After High School, Jack joined the U.S. Marine Corps,  serving his country proudly from 1948 to 1952.  In 1960 Jack became a member of the Worcester Police Department,  a proud police officer for the next 31 years, attaining the rank of Chief of Police, retiring in 1991.  Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Annette; his loving children, Kathleen Papagni and her husband David, Michael Coakley and his wife Maureen, James Coakley, Ann Cusson and her husband Richard, John Coakley and his wife Michelle, Margaret Cummins and her husband Paul, T.J. Coakley and his wife Monica; 21 grandchildren; 25 Great Grandchildren;  Many extended family members and friends.  His brother, Robert Coakley pre deceased him.  Jack was a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post #435, a charter member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 11552 and a member of the Massachusetts Police Association. Jack attended mass, served as an alter server and Eucharistic Minister at St Raphael’s Church in Englewood, FL. A mass celebrating his life will be celebrated Saturday, March 25th at 11:00 am in St John’s Church, 44 Temple St.  Friends and relatives are invited to give their condolences from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at St John’s Church prior to Mass.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name can be made to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St in care of Fr. John Madden.  “Semper Fi”