David (Diesel) Coffey passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026 at home with family in Penacook, NH after a 2 and a half year battle with cancer. Despite the cancer treatments Dave lived every day to the fullest and never dwelled on his illness.

David was born on March 14,1944 in Troy, NY to Eugene V. Coffey and Ellen Murray Coffey Fitzgerald and was the 4th of 9 children. David graduated from Catholic Central High School, Siena College and Antioch University with a Master’s degree in Education. David started his career working at the Rensselaer County Office of Youth Services but changed careers and became a teacher at Somerville High School (MA) and from there found his real calling at Concord (NH) High School as a teacher in the E.A.R.N program for at risk students. One student wrote on Facebook that “If I hadn’t spent my first year at CHS with Mr. Coffey, I may not have stayed. I owe him my diploma”. While at Concord High School David was a tireless supporter of the football team and was named Concord’s Director of Football Operations. His dedication to the program and the athletes resulted in David being awarded the Union Leader’s 2017 Carl Lundholm Award, the most coveted award of the Union Leader’s annual recognition banquet for sports champions. Head Coach Eric Brown said of David “Anything that you need to get done behind the scenes, he’s the guy to get it done”. Another coach wrote that “You couldn’t meet a nicer or better person you would want associated with your high school or athletic program than Dave Coffey”. David’s other passion was Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette. David attended Fatima starting in 1953 and worked with Fatima up until his death. David served the camps in numerous capacities, including 4 years as Director. David was most proud of his involvement and support Fatima’s long history of providing children with special needs an opportunity to experience camping as well.

It would be remiss if Dave’s love of NASCAR was not mentioned. During the NASCAR season Dave loyally watched the race every week and never missed a race at the Loudon Speedway.

David was predeceased by his parents and his nephew Quinn Coffey. David leaves siblings Peter (Liz), Tracy, Paul, Stephen (Joan), Daniel (Maryellen), Drew and Mary Coffey Moran (Loren), extended family Scottie Elias, Jen and Mike Drumm and Kevin Crowley as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Not to be forgotten, Dave was predeceased by his cherished dogs Mike and 6 Huffer’s.

David requested that funeral services be private. A Mass of remembrance will be celebrated on October 24, 2026 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Concord, NH.

Gifts in David’s memory are gratefully appreciated for “Special Needs Camp” at Camp Fatima, 32 Fatima Road, Gilmanton I.W., NH 03837.

The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.