Published November 30, 2018
MELROSE — Walter L. Coffin, 85, longtime Melrose resident, died on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.
Walter was born in Melrose on September 4, 1933, one of two children of the late Vaughn A. Coffin, Sr., and Ila (MacKey) Coffin. He grew up in Melrose, and enjoyed going swimming at Ell Pond, and walking through the woods with his friends. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1951.
Walter joined the United States Army in May of 1953, and served during the Korean War. He served in the 45th, 2nd, and 7th divisions. Walter was honorably discharged on April 6, 1955.
Walter was proud of his service to his country, and was a life member of the Sgt. Harold O. Young VFW Post 2394. He was a past member of the Drill Team, and participated in parades, the firing squad, and honor guards.
Walter worked for Lindstrom Brothers Van Lines in Melrose, and then went to work for the Melrose Housing Authority for many years. He enjoyed his work, and made many friends there.
In 1989, Walter and the late Ellen Lomartire were married, and went on to share 26 years together. They enjoyed traveling, with one of their favorite trips to tour the old Civil War battlegrounds.
Walter was a kind hearted man who loved his family, enjoyed gardening, was a die-hard Red Sox fan, and most of all, a proud veteran. He will be deeply missed.
Walter is the beloved husband of the late Ellen (Lomatire) Coffin with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. Devoted father of Barbara M. Coffin of Maine, Donna L. Coffin of Plymouth, N.H., Linda C. Bernard and her husband Scott of Hillsborough, N.H., Chandler B. Coffin and his wife Susan of Texas, and Kenneth W. Coffin of New Hampshire. Dear step-father of Thomas G. Ashworth and his wife Patrice of Nashua, N.H., and the late Steven J. Ashworth. Loving brother of the late Vaughn A. Coffin, Jr., and his wife Edna. Cherished grandfather of Heather, Jessica, Brian, and Andrew. Proud great-grandfather of Willow, Zoey, Mikey, Olivia, Hunter, Hailey, Alexis, and Dominick.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Walter’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Nov. 26 and for his funeral service celebrated at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose, on Tuesday. Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Army at Wyoming Cemetery.
Gifts in Walter’s memory may be made to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK., 73101-0036.
For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
