Obituary of Patrick J. Coakley, Sr.
Middlesex, NJ – Patrick J. Coakley, Sr., 86, (known to many as Paddy) passed away on April 21, 2025 at RWJ University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville. Born in Connonagh, Leap, Co. Cork, Ireland to the late John and Margaret (Sullivan) Coakley. At age 18, Patrick came to the United States on the SS America and passed through Ellis Island in 1957.
Patrick was drafted into the United States Army and served proudly at Fort Drum NY from 1960-1963, being honorably discharged on November 22, 1963. Patrick left base, rented a U-Haul and while getting gas, the attendant was crying – it was then Patrick learned the day he was discharged, was the day that President Kennedy was shot.
Patrick worked for over thirty five years at Anheuser-Busch (commonly known as Budweiser) in Newark as a brewer, and every day as a reminder, he had one Budweiser at 4pm, quitting time. He enjoyed trips back to Ireland to visit family, never missed an opportunity to ride his Harley and in his earlier days, Patrick liked to hunt and fish and was an NRA Life Member. He enjoyed Nascar (before the changes), the NJ Devils and woodworking projects in his garage. He lived in Rahway and Elizabeth before settling in Middlesex.
He was a proud member of the American Legion, Post 306 in Middlesex and was an Honorary Life Member of the Middlesex Elks #1488.
Patrick leaves behind his two children Patrick Jr. of Milltown and Maureen of New York City and two grandchildren; Melanie and Meadow. He also leaves sisters Marie and Noranne in Ireland, sister Bridget and brother Donal, in England. Predeceased by sisters Nellie and Margaret. He is also survived by his former wife, Eileen of Rahway.
At the request of the Coakley family, all services will be held privately through Middlesex Funeral Home.
