Joseph A. Coffey, Jr.

Joseph A. Coffey, Jr., of Tequesta, FL, passed away at home surrounded by family on January 22, 2016 following a brief illness. He was born on June 1, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph John, and a daughter Heather Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife Teresa S. Vandiver Coffey; his children, Robert Christian (Chelsie), Michael Jason, Daniel Justin and nine grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Coffey Catalano of Washington Crossing, PA and brother James Coffey of Stuart, FL; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a native Southwest Philadelphian who attended Most Blessed Sacrament School, West Catholic School for Boys, LaSalle University and Temple University School of Law. His generous support for education in the Catholic tradition is well documented. His military service included both the US Army and US Air Force. He was the founding partner of Coffey, Kaye, Myers and Olley located in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The son of a railroader, he always prided himself on representing injured railroad employees and others who had been injured in workplace accidents. He retired from the practice of law in 2005. His most famous case was referred to by the losing parties as "the largest jury verdict in the world." Mr. Coffey was a member of the bars of the United States Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and he tried cases throughout the country. He was a member of the Academy of Rail labor Attorneys, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and numerous other professional organizations. He was a member of Philadelphia Country Club, Jupiter Hills Country Club and The Union League of Philadelphia, the Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club as well as several gun and fishing clubs. Mr. Coffey was an avid sportsman who enjoyed scuba diving, sport fishing, shooting, archery and hunting. His frequent travels covered the globe from North and South America to Africa, Asia, Europe and Alaska. A visitation will be held at the Villanova University Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2016 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Joseph A. Coffey, Jr. may be made to the Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida. To leave online condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com

Joseph A. Coffey, Jr.

June 1, 1942 - January 22, 2016