Robert Coffman

Robert L. Coffman, Sr., 81, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at home after a hard-fought war with both CLL and MDS.  Bob was born on July 30, 1937, the only son of the late Larry and Peg (Rehak) Coffman.  He grew up in Freeport, attending both parochial and public school.  Bob was a 1955 graduate of Freeport High School.  After graduation, he joined the US Air Force and proudly served his country for four years.  His last duty station was Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas.  Then in 1957, he met his wife of 59 years, Dennie.  They were married after his tour of duty ended and moved to this area to make their home and raise their family. Bob worked a short time for Carnegie Tech Research in Saxonburg, PA before taking a position at Alcoa Research Lab on Freeport Road in New Kensington.  After 23 years there, he moved to the Merwin Lab where he worked for another ten years.  Bob retired with 33 years of service.  He was a member of their 25 Year Club and a past member and officer of the Lab Retiree Club.  He was the holder of two Alcoa patents and was a member of a team given the Arthur Vining Davis Award in the 1980’s.  Bob was a member of long standing of the Allegheny Valley Church of Christ in New Kensington. Besides his wife, Dennie, he is survived by two sons, Robert L. (Butch) Coffman, Jr. and his wife Dee of Oil City, PA, and John M. Coffman and his wife Christie of Seneca, PA.  One daughter, Susan Robinson and her husband Mike of Worthington, Kentucky.  Three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great-grandson, and three step great-grandchildren.  One sister, Margaret Serene of Freeport, PA; brother-in-law Johnnie Standard and his wife Lynda of White Oak, Texas; sister-in-law Patsy Koschnick of Marietta, Georgia, and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great of both. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Mary Lou Serene, brothers-in-law C. E. Koschnick and Charles N. Serene, Sr. Bob requested all initial services be private.  For those who might wish, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to The Allegheny Valley Church of Christ, 226 Marlboro Drive, New Kensington, PA. 15068 Arrangements entrusted to RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, New Kensington, PA, 724-335-0100. www.rjslater.com.