Thomas George Coffey, the former Chief of Police for Nyack, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by his family in Pearl River, NY. Coffey, a respected leader and devoted public servant, leaves behind a legacy of service to both his community and his country.
A graduate of Haverstraw High School, Coffey pursued a degree in Animal Husbandry from the New York State Institute of Agriculture at Cobleskill before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His military service was a source of great pride, and he remained active in veterans’ organizations throughout his life.
Coffey was a prominent figure in numerous law enforcement and veterans’ groups, including the New York State and Rockland County Retired Chiefs of Police Association and the American Legion, where he held various leadership roles, including Commander of the John Secor Post 329 in Pearl River. He was particularly dedicated to supporting Blue Star families and The Boys Club, and for many years, he ran the Camp Shanks Museum, preserving the history of those who served in the military.
In addition to his law enforcement and veterans’ work, Coffey was deeply involved in the Pearl River Little League, serving as its president from 1974 to 1984 and coaching for many years. His dedication to the youth of the community was recognized with the dedication of the “Coffey House” in his honor.
Coffey’s law enforcement career began as a patrolman in Piermont before transferring to the Village of Nyack in 1956. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police, a position he held with distinction until his retirement after 32 years of service. His leadership and dedication to public safety left a lasting impact on the Nyack community.
Thomas George Coffey is remembered as a pillar of the community, known for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his family and those he served. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.