Obituary of Harland H. Coffin

Lifelong Bridgeport Resident Harland H. (Bud) Coffin, age 91, of Bridgeport, died on Saturday, July 12, 2008 after a short illness. Born in Bridgeport, on December 13, 1916 he was a son of the late Halbert and Laila McGowen Coffin and was a life long city resident. He graduated from Bridgeport High School and was employed by Bridgeport Machines and Producto Machines. Bud was an inventor and has four patents to his credit. His interests were broad and varied. He was a self taught musician and enjoyed playing the guitar and the organ. He built his own home on Lake Forest and a cabin in Vermont. He created model ships and built his own electric car. He amazed friends and family when he obtained a full size Coast Guard Recognizance World War II plane and refurbished it according to historical specifications. His love of planes led him to a hobby of model aeronautics, and he built scores of models which he loved to display, fly and repair after less than perfect landings. He was a member of the Fairfield County Chapter 44 Giant Scale Squadron. Swimming several times a week at Fitness 4000 was a routine for many years. Acquiring items at tag sales and curb side (goody hardware) demonstrated his talent for recycling. Bud was green before it was in vogue. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Helene Leopold Coffin. Survivors include three children, son, LeRoy Coffin, daughter in law, Joyce, daughter, Arlene OBrien and her husband Robert and son Geoffrey and his wife Valerie. Pa had nine grandchildren, Lee Coffin, Kimberly Levy, Daniel, Lynn and Geoffrey Coffin, Melissa Camarino, Jennifer Dion, Trista Guilfoyle and Matthew Coffin. He took great pride in having 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by nephew, William Leopold and nieces Patricia Rust and Irene McDonald. In addition to his family, he enjoyed the company of his best friend, Memory Russell. Bud had many pets over the years and shared recent years with his beloved Maine Coon Cat, Sam. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, Bridgeport, with Msgr. Joseph W. Pekar celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Lawn Cemetery, Shelton. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford CT 06405.