WWII veteran fought in Battle of the Bulge
Published in the January 25, 2017 edition
LYNNFIELD — William (Bill) M. Coffill, 90, of Lynnfield, died peacefully January 12, 2017 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital from natural causes.
Born in Melrose in 1926, he was the son of the late William M. and Charlotte A. (MacMaster) Coffill of Lynnfield. He was the beloved husband of Ruth (Kent) Coffill for 65 years and the loving father of Steven Coffill and his wife Diana of Beverly, Susan Coffill and her partner Martin Deluga of Newton, and the grandfather of Brian Coffill of Washington D.C.
He was the brother of the late Robert Coffill of North Reading, and is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Linda Von Blon of Connecticut, and Phyllis Robinson of Mexico, brother-in-law Edward Kent of Idaho, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Lynnfield. He served in the United States Army during WWII. He fought in central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge, and later entertained troops during the occupation. He received a Bronze Star for his military service. An accomplished musician and drummer, he played in bands his entire life. He retired as a manager from the Mass. Turnpike Authority in 1989. An avid golfer, in retirement he and his wife Ruth golfed in all 48 of the continental United States.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.
