Thomas Coffey

Thomas Alan Coffey, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Longs, South Carolina, after a decline from kidney disease. Born on June 23, 1945, in Bristol, Connecticut, Tom dedicated his life to serving others through medicine and nursing. He first served as an officer in the United States Air Force and was a medic during the Vietnam War, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.

He was proud to be the first male nurse to graduate from Yale New Haven Nursing School in the 1970s. Tom earned his associate’s degree while in the Air Force and later completed his bachelor’s at Central Connecticut State University, all while working full-time at UConn Medical Center as a labor and delivery nurse. He majored in political science and public administration and was honored to represent CCSU as an intern at the Connecticut State Capitol, where he received an official citation from the House of Representatives—an achievement he cherished.Tom later built a successful sales career with Corometrics Medical Systems and ultimately retired from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Public Health. He remained passionate about politics and current events throughout his life.A lifelong golfer, Tom was a longtime member and past president of Pequabuck Golf Club, where he formed lasting friendships and enjoyed countless rounds. Though he never achieved a hole-in-one, his family will always remember his unforgettable “hole-in-three” on the 10th hole—a story that brought many laughs and lives on in family lore.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Visconti) Coffey; his daughter, Nicole Elliott, and her husband, Brian Elliott; and his grandson, Ryan Elliott. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Rossi; brothers, Robert Coffey and William “Barry” Coffey; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Anna Coffey; his brothers John Coffey and Daniel Coffey; and his sister, Barbara Coffey.We will miss Tom’s fun-loving, caring, and supportive nature, as well as his deep love of music. His beloved animals will also miss him dearly. From boyhood, Tom took special care of his pets—so much so that friends often joked, “When I die, I hope I come back as one of Tommy’s pets.”May his spirit live on in all the lives he touched.There will be no services at this time.