Frank Coffey Obituary-Death news; Frank Coffey Cause of Death – Frank Coffey, Longtime Master Teacher at RND Dies at 73
Frank Coffey, 73, of Kingston, Ontario, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, on Wolfe Island — the place that had always held his heart. Born in Kingston on December 2, 1951, Frank was the sixth of eleven children born to Charles Coffey and Rose (née O’Reilly).
Raised on Wolfe Island, he developed a deep and lifelong connection to its land and surrounding waters, a bond that would define much of who he was. His childhood was full of the kind of freedom, closeness, and community that comes from growing up in a large family in a small, tightly knit island setting.
Frank attended Regiopolis Notre-Dame High School before earning a degree from Queen’s University. He went on to dedicate over thirty years to teaching English literature and Latin in high schools.
Known for his commanding presence and theatrical spirit, Frank had a gift for bringing Shakespeare and other classics to life. With a booming voice, quick wit, and expressive storytelling, he transformed his classroom into a stage where literature truly lived.
Many of his students, years later, would still recall the passion he brought to his work and the high standards he encouraged in others. Rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, Frank lived by values of service, integrity, and quiet strength.
He was a man of principle and devotion, grounded in the spiritual and moral teachings that had guided him since childhood. His faith was not just part of his personal life — it informed how he taught, how he raised his family, and how he gave back to his community.
Beyond the classroom, Frank was most at home on the water. A dedicated fisherman for over fifty-five years, he navigated the local waters with knowledge, respect, and a sense of awe.
Aboard his beloved boat, The Grinch, Frank welcomed clients who quickly became friends, drawn in by his warmth and storytelling. He understood the rhythm of the waves and the soul of the lake — it was where he found peace, purpose, and joy.
Frank’s love for Wolfe Island extended beyond fishing. He was an enthusiastic curler and golfer at the Cataraqui Golf Club, and a formidable bridge partner — particularly when playing alongside his wife. Whether on the greens, the rink, or at the card table, he brought the same intellect, strategy, and humour that defined so many areas of his life.
Above all, Frank was a family man. He was a devoted husband to Jane, his wife of forty-five years, and a loving father to Edward (Annie), Anne (Chris), Thomas, and Margaret (Josh). He found his greatest joy in being “Pop” to his beloved granddaughter, Emma Reese, who lit up his world with her laughter and spirit.
He is survived by his siblings Kevin (Maureen), Anne, Mary, Christine (Nick), Dan (Andrea), Denise (Duncan), and Colleen; his sister-in-law Eileen; and many nieces and nephews who treasured his mentorship and humour. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Brian, Paul, and Patrick; his nephew Paul; and brothers-in-law John Barton, Peter Rockman, and Douglas Knowles.
Frank will also be dearly missed by his in-law family: Duncan (Carolyn) McKillop, Charlotte Arbuckle, Martha (Michael) Khan, Anne (Peter) Ostrom, and their children — all of whom knew Frank as a generous and caring presence at every gathering.
A Catholic Mass in celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Friday, July 4th at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church on Wolfe Island, officiated by Monsignor J. Lynch. Immediately following, a graveside blessing will take place at the Coffey family plot, across from the church. A reception with light refreshments will be held at Sacred Heart School. All are warmly invited to attend and share memories of a man who gave so much, and who will be deeply missed.
