DAVENPORT - John Coffay, 72, passed away peacefully, due to heart failure, on Friday, January 9, 2009 with his beloved wife Phyllis and son Steven by his side.

John was born on April 23, 1936 in Syracuse, NY. He spent many years serving his country in the US Air Force as a staff sergeant; strategic Air command. He served all over the world, including England, Greenland and North Africa. He later assisted in the opening of many hotels across the country including Marriott in Washington DC, Boston and Atlanta, Radisson in Chicago, Minneapolis and Pipestem, WV, Walt Disney World, Grand Casinos in Biloxi and Grenelefe in Haines City. He was a kind and generous family man: many will remember him as a “Gentle Giant”.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Phyllis; sons, Steven and William; daughters-in-law, Sharon and Elizabeth and by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Emily, William, Kylene and Steven. Fly high Grandpa, we will miss you!

Visitation will be Tuesday 1/13/09 from 5-7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City. Funeral mass will be Wednesday 1/14/09 at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Haines City.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s name to Give Kids the World, 210 S. Bass Street, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

Condolences may be sent via www.oakridgefuneralcare.com