James “Bill” Coffman
James William “Bill” Coffman, 71, died Sunday, March 6, 2011 at his home.
He was born August 16, 1939 in Dunbar, PA, the son of James and Garnella (Wadsworth) Coffman and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life.
Prior to his retirement, he worked as a machinist for Reliance Electric. He later worked part-time for Lowe’s.
He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and gardening. His hobbies were listening to old country music and his love of sweets. A talented handy man, he remodeled his home and enjoyed helping others any way he could. A Catholic by faith, he was always a generous man.
Jim loved his family and especially his grandkids, and had a soft spot for his dog, Katie and cat, Snowey. He was also a former member of the NRA and the Ashtabula Eagles.
His survivors include his beloved fiancee’ of 21 years, Sharon L. Surbella; six children, Margaret (Mike) Emerson of Jefferson, Jean (Mike) Nance of Mesa, AZ, Victoria (Jeff) Margelowsky of Montville, Tom (Maureen Novak) Surbella of Ashtabula, Lisa (Kerry) Bowers of N. Kingsville, and Kristine (Roger) Lamb of Chester, WV; 15 grandchildren, Nichole, Sydney, and Alex Emerson, Matthew and Patrick Coffman, Tiffani Brunell, Gary, Tanya, Scott, and Zachary Margelowsky, Meghan, Devon, and Mya Surbella, Brooklyn Bowers, and Paige Piskopus; one great-granddaughter, Alliyah Coffman; four brothers, Francis “Leo” (Shirley) Coffman of Grafton, Robert (Barb) Coffman of Harpersfield, Thomas (Linda) Coffman of Spring, TX, and Dennis (Gin) Coffman of Hopwood, PA; one sister, Denise (Kai) York (twin to Dennis) of Richwood, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Christine Marie Coffman in childhood and an infant daughter; and his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM on Friday, March 11, 2011 at OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH, 1200 East 21st Street, Ashtabula. Fr. Joseph Ruggieri will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 P.M. on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the ZABACK-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula.
Contributions may be made to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004. www.ducro.com