With sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. Kevin P. J. Coffey, SCP, a/CSJB, at age 70 on May 22, 2025 at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.

Born in Lackawanna, NY in 1954 Fr. Kevin joined the United States Army after high school graduation. It was in the Army that he met and married his wife of 47 years, MAJ (Ret) Kathy Propst Coffey. While supporting Kathy’s career as an Army officer, Fr. Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from Quinnipiac College and in 1988 a Master of Divinity degree from The General Theological Seminary in New York City. Immediately following graduation Deacon Kevin served as assistant to the Episcopal congregation at the United States Military Academy West Point where he was privileged to pastor and mentor cadets at the academy. Following his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Kevin ministered as a priest in the Hudson Valley Ministry. A final Army assignment to Hanau, Germany offered Fr. Kevin opportunities to serve congregations within the American Convocation of Churches in Europe as well as the military community.

His stint as a dependent husband completed, Fr. Kevin moved to Fair Lawn in 1996 to serve in full-time ministry, first as a missioner for the Bergen Episcopal Area Ministry and later as rector of Church of the Atonement from which he retired as Rector Emeritus in December 2024. Fr. Kevin always advocated for shared ministry and service to others. He was active in the Fair Lawn Clergy Association and held various positions of leadership in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Fr. Kevin also served his community for many years as a leader in Rotary and as chaplain to Boy Scout Troop 53 and the Rochelle Park Fire Department where he was affectionally known to all as The Rev. During his time with Rochelle Park he took the firefighter 1 course at the Bergen co fire academy to get a feel of what the men went through to better understand how they felt. He had his own radio ID also white helmet and coat and was always highly visible at scenes in town or in the mutual aid. Kevin will be remembered for his dedication to sharing the good news of God in Christ, his pastoral care and compassion for others, as well as his unrelenting sense of humor.

In addition to Kathy, Kevin is survived by daughter Keely Coffey and her husband Arton (Tony) Sina; son Kevin Coffey; and grandsons William and Alexander Sina.