Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Robert Joseph “Bob” Coffren, 89, of Annapolis, died December 31 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Born on August 13, 1924 in Washington, DC to the late Robert L. and Julia M. Coffren, Bob graduated from McKinley High School. After graduation, Bob went to work as an apprentice machinist for the Department of the Navy. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a signalman second class, helping to transport U.S. troops to combat zones in Italy, France and Belgium. In recognition of his service, Bob received the American Theater of Operation ribbon, European Theatre of Operation ribbon and Victory ribbon. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. 

Upon discharge, Bob went to work for the General Accounting Office. He continued his education after the military and graduated in 1950 from the Columbus University School of Accounting. That same year, Bob moved to the Department of the Air Force where he became the Deputy Finance Officer at Bolling Air Force Base. In 1959, he transferred to the Department’s Directorate of Accounting and Finance where he remained until his retirement in 1978. Bob’s federal career was recognized with the USAF Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service.

He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1963 and became a Grand Knight of the Mother Seton Council in Lanham and Faithful Navigator of the Bishop Walsh Assembly in Oxon Hill. He was a member of the American Legion and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Bob enjoyed baseball and golf; he was a member of the Bowie Golf and Country Club and MISGA for 30 years. He also enjoyed traveling, making visits to Spain, Bermuda, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and most of the United States. 

Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Manilli. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen H. Coffren; son, Robert K. Coffren of Mahwah, NJ.

Friends are invited to Bob’s Life Celebration from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 9 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 10 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 North Bestgate Road, Annapolis. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heritage Harbour Health Group, 801 Compass Way #5, Annapolis, MD 21401 or St. Mary’s Catholic Church Tuition Angel Program, 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

An online guestbook is available by accessing the link at the top of this page.

Robert Coffren

Robert Coffren

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