Neil Robert Coffey was born June 22, 1939 in Dixon, Illinois, and passed away March 23, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was one of 13 siblings born to Gene and Helen Coffey.
At the young age of 18, Neil eloped with his high school sweetheart Ellen Price, who was just 15. They began their family shortly thereafter and had five kids.
They moved away from Illinois after just a few years of being married, and ended up moving to Goleta.
Neil began his career as a butcher, and worked at many grocery stores and meat markets throughout Santa Barbara and Goleta. Neil was able to retire at the age of just 55.
His favorite past-time was the nickel keno machines at the Chumash Casino, which he enjoyed even up to the last week of his life. He loved to plant flowers in his garden as well.
Sadly, he lost his wife Ellen when he was just 65 at just shy of 50 years of marriage. Shortly after that was when he went back in time and met back up with his eighth-grade sweetheart Kay Sholders. The two of them began taking cruises all over the world and shared the past 19 years together.
They also spent a lot of time visiting friends and family, and watching their grandkids play sports, music, and academic achievements.
Neil was also very fond of parades. Neil will definitely be remembered for his sense of humor. It was like no other. He often times was a practical joker and made many people laugh.
Many people will remember his high-pitched whistle, whether he used it to call his kids home or to cheer on one of his grandkids at their games. He was the best cheerleader.
He is survived by his four children Donna Demeter (Dave), Jack Coffey (Amalia), Joe Coffey (Amy), and Diana Burnham (Larry); grandchildren Joe Starbuck, Josh Pearl, Luke Coffey, Isaac Coffey, Dustin Demeter, Davey Demeter, Nova Burnham, Zachary Burnham and Ashley Burnham; brothers Paul Coffey and Terry Coffey; as well as his girlfriend Kay Sholders.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ellen Coffey, and his daughter Deborah Coffey-Starbuck, as well as his parents.
Viewing will be held 2-4 p.m. March 29 at Welch-Ryce-Haider, 450 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara.
Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 14 at St. Mark’s Church in Isla Vista, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at Neil’s home.