Published in the March 19, 2019 edition.
PEABODY — Henry “Sumner” Coe, 93, of Peabody, formerly of Wakefield, died Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Continuing Care at Brooksby Village.
Born in Worcester on March 20, 1925 he was the son of the late Henry S. and Ethel (Stone) Coe.
Mr. Coe was raised in Worcester and was a graduate of Worcester Classical High School, class of 1943. Following high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and proudly served his country during World War II. When he returned home, Mr. Coe enrolled in Worcester Polytech and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1950. He went on to work as a plant engineer at Exxon and later Polaroid from where he retired at 60 years old.
During retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Florida, most especially Port Charlotte; as well as summers spent in Great East Lake in Maine, where he built the family cottage which remains in the family today. He was an active member in the First Baptist Church of Wakefield; serving on various boards as well as Deacon. His pride in his church as well as vocational interests also lead him to take on a lead role in most repair projects at the church.
He was the beloved husband of Shirley M. (McNabb) Coe. He was the loving father of Donald S. Coe and his wife Donna of Bethel, Maine and Janet G. Ryan and her husband Mark of Peabody. He was the cherished grandfather of Alison Hennessey and her husband John, Ashley Firman and her husband Joshua, and Zachary Ryan and his partner Kayla Ferreira. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Molly, Kliness, Magnolia, and Isabelle.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrated in the Garden Room in Rose Court, Brooksby Village, 100 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody on Monday, March 25 at 11 a.m.