PORTLAND – Ralph J. Coffin Jr., 83, formerly of Bangor, died Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at his home. He was the husband of Arlene R. (Ruth) Coffin, with whom he celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary this past Monday. Ralph was born April 20, 1925, in Lee, a son of the late Ralph J. and Edith (Delano) Coffin Sr. Ralph attended Lee schools and graduated from Lee Academy, Class of 1942. He then attended Maine School of Commerce, now known as Husson College. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and proudly serving from 1943 to 1946. Ralph was employed as a train dispatcher with Maine Central Railroad for 39 years, during which he was promoted to chief dispatcher before retiring in 1986. He enjoyed working and after his retirement he was employed with Pierce Orman Realty, as a real estate broker. He was a member of Woodford’s Congregational Church, where he was a former deacon and usher. He attended the Woodford’s Club every Friday night for many years and enjoyed the delicious meals, friendships and bridge games. He was also a golf enthusiast who played until the onset of his illness at Riverside Golf Course. He was a member of the American Legion as well. Ralph was an avid baseball fan and shared his love of the game with his granddaughter, with whom he regularly watched Red Sox and Sea Dogs games. He played bridge with a special group of friends every Saturday night for many years In addition his devoted wife, he is survived by a granddaughter, whom along with his wife, he raised as his own daughter, Julie Armstrong and her husband, Kirk; two great-granddaughters, Emma and Sadie Armstrong; a great-grandson, Jack Armstrong, all of Portland; and three sisters, Hazel Rudolph of Chester, Lillian Coughlin of Bangor and Elaine Cormier and her husband, Gerald, of Saco. He was also the father of the late Linda Jean Coffin, who passed away in 1981. He also leaves his faithful cocker spaniel, Russell “Rusty” Coffin. The family extends a special heartfelt thanks to caregivers, Charlie Pressey and Keith Rowe; nurse, Michelle Kouk; and CNA, Jane Parker, for their wonderful care and understanding towards Ralph and his family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Meloon Chapel at Woodford’s Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland. Interment will be after at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Main St., Topsham, ME 04086.
RALPH J. COFFIN JR.
