Obituary of Thomas J. Coan

Thomas J. Coan, 78 of Chelsea, formerly of Peabody, died Wednesday, April 30 at the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury. Born in Peabody, March 14, 1936, he was the son of late John A. and Eleanor L. (Nevins)Coan. Thomas attended Peabody schools and joined the Marine Corps after High School, serving in the Korean Conflict. Completing Military service, Mr. Coan was employed by several local businesses but enjoyed most being a Tour Bus Driver for Michaud Bus lines in Salem. Tom was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps League and the VFW Fidelity Post 1011 in Peabody. Mr. Coan is survived by his children: Thomas J. Chigas and his wife Diane and their children of Amesbury; Sheri Engracio of Danvers and Darren Coan of Maine. Tom was loved and will be missed by his sisters: Margaret A Dow of Ipswich; Sister Leonore Coan SND of Peabody; Mary E Coan of Peabody. Mr. Coan’s life was enriched with an extensive extended family including: his former wife Rena Lamphear Bettencourt; Ronny Lamphear and family of Rowley; Richey Lamphear and family of Maine; Arron Lamphear and Shelly Butler. Mr. Coan was a resident of the Chelsea Soldiers Home where he shared life with 283 brothers and sisters. Tom’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Tom’s Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Chapel, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Chelsea Soldiers Home Recreation Fund, 91 Crest Street, Chelsea, MA 02150. Burial and U.S. Marine Corps Military Honors will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 100R Cedar Grove Ave., Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.