Frank Coffey Kingston ON Obituary and Death – Frank Coffey, a beloved educator and respected member of the Kingston and Wolfe Island communities, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 73. Known for his profound impact as a teacher and mentor, Frank’s legacy extends far beyond the classroom, rooted deeply in faith, family, and a lifelong connection to Wolfe Island.
Born on December 2, 1951, in Kingston, Ontario, Frank was the sixth of eleven children born to Charles and Rose Coffey (née O’Reilly). He was raised on Wolfe Island, a place that would forever shape his identity. Life on the island, surrounded by a large, loving family and the beauty of nature, fostered in him a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for the land and water.
Frank’s academic path began at Regiopolis Notre-Dame High School, followed by studies at Queen’s University. He went on to dedicate over three decades to teaching English literature and Latin, primarily at his alma mater, RND. Known for his commanding voice, sharp wit, and theatrical flair, Frank brought classical literature to life. He transformed his classroom into a stage where Shakespeare and the great writers lived and breathed. Former students often recalled how his passion for learning and high expectations inspired them long after graduation.
Frank’s Catholic faith was the bedrock of his life. It shaped how he taught, how he raised his family, and how he gave back to others. He was known for his integrity, humility, and unwavering moral compass — values instilled in him from a young age and carried through his entire life.
Outside the classroom, Frank was most at home on the water. An avid fisherman for over fifty-five years, he spent countless hours aboard The Grinch, exploring the waters around Wolfe Island. To Frank, fishing wasn’t just a pastime — it was a spiritual experience. Those who joined him on his boat were drawn in not just by the promise of fish, but by his storytelling, laughter, and insight.
Frank also enjoyed curling, golfing at the Cataraqui Golf Club, and playing bridge — often alongside his beloved wife Jane, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children — Edward, Anne, Thomas, and Margaret — and Frank found his greatest joy in being “Pop” to his granddaughter, Emma Reese.
He is survived by many loving family members, including siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all of whom valued his mentorship, warmth, and humor. He is predeceased by his parents, several siblings, and extended family members.
A Catholic Mass in Frank’s memory will be held on July 4th at Sacred Heart Church on Wolfe Island. A graveside blessing and community reception will follow. Frank Coffey’s legacy — as a teacher, husband, father, friend, and man of faith — lives on in all those he touched. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.