Jason Coffey
On Sept. 11, Daniel M. Coffey and his son Jason M. Coffey planned to meet for lunch at the World Trade Center, where they both worked for subsidiaries of Marsh & McLennan. Daniel Coffey, 54, needed to have his wedding ring enlarged after 30 years of marriage. Jason Coffey, 25, was going along to pick out a surprise engagement ring for his fiancee, Colleen McDonald.
Daniel Coffey, a senior vice president at Guy Carpenter & Company, worked on the 94th floor of One World Trade. Jason, a senior accountant at Marsh Inc., was on the 98th floor.
Daniel Coffey was the son and grandson of an only child and part of a family that has lived for generations in Newburgh, N.Y.
He and his wife, Francis, broke the mold with three sons, Daniel, Jason and Kevin. Daniel Coffey met his wife when she was trying to fix him up with her friend.
One of his gifts was gab. 'Dad could talk to virtually anyone and get anything he wanted out of them,' said his son Daniel. With his wife, the elder Coffey was fixing up the house in Newburgh. 'My mother is very particular about what she wants done, and my father was particular in how he did it,' young Daniel said.
Jason Coffey was a big guy who loved to play rugby. (His mother did not want him to play football. Too dangerous.) He was also always ready to go out, including to a local bar, Pineapple Larry’s.
But now he was settling down. He was in the process of buying his grandparent’s house in Newburgh and he and Ms. McDonald were going to fix it up, just like his father and mother did to their house. Jason Coffey and Ms. McDonald had planned to get married Dec. 7, 2002.
Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
Add Your Tribute
Tributes
You and your family will forever be in my prayers Jason. I teach American History in your memory, so we never forget.
Amanda Sosnick (Wallace), Friend
Jason is an ex-colleague from over 20 years ago. Jason was part of a close knit, young and highly sociable Group IA team and I have fond memories of trips from the UK to NYC meeting Jason and the US team. Each time I see a sight of the Twin Towers I think of Jason and my happy time at MMC. Where has 20 years gone? Rest in peace Jason and your Dad
Matthew, Colleague
It's amazing how the friends you have known can influence you. After many years since high school when Jason and I have had meaningful conversations I find myself making connections... gaining wisdom from him and those I have met. Jason is a great friend in my thoughts of that time and be will remain with me always. I only apologize for taking so long to let you know my thoughts of what a wonderful son, brother and family member he is to all of you. My thoughts are with you and Jason.
John A Miller, Friend
Dear Coffey Family,I did not know Jason but I worked with Dan, who was so proud of him! We shall never forget you, your smile, your voice and your laugh. We shall keep this day as a sacred remembrance of you and what we lost in a moment.We carry on but we never leave you behind. Thank you for helping us daily to carry the tears and the sadness in our hearts but still to move forward with strength and determination. God Bless You and your family today and always. Patricia & Charles Barraza
Patricia Barraza, Colleague
Our thoughts are with you and your family today. We miss you so much... You will never be forgotten.
Deanne, Family
thinking of you and your family today jason. we will never forget.
Spencer R., Friend
Came across a posting in memory of you on the Bryant Alumni Facebook page. The memories of a fraternity that never was :)
Kevin Lolley, Friend
Jason - I think of you often, I have a picture of the team from our trip to the Seattle office that moves with me from desk to desk and job to job. I remember you very fondly and will never forget.
Corinne, Colleague
Jay- still thinking of you today.... many memories and laughs from our time at Bryant together... you were a blessing and still are-- You will never be forgetten. xoxox
Dottie, Friend
We miss you.
Dave, Friend
I remember you today Jason...
James Tillotson, Friend
I'm thinking of you and that terrible day when so many lives were shattered. I wished I could turn back time. G_d bless you and your family.
Your friend, Friend
Jason, you are missed very much....there are few days that go by that I don't think about what happened. I remember our trips up to Bryant to play in the rugby alumni games and the times down in Hoboken that we went to the Black Bear where we would meet after work...and the St. Patricks Day party in Hoboken of course! I haven't talked about this much but this really allows me to speak about what happened. I was downstairs looking up as the planes hit and wish more than anything that you and your family could be together again. I only started getting to know you well when Jon told me to get in touch with you when moving down to NYC...and for that I am very lucky. You are are a wonderful and thoughtful guy, one that I really enjoyed getting to know and spending time with. I have had such a hard time since that terrible day and am expecting a baby boy any day now. September 11th is tomorrow and all I keep thinking is that the baby boy is going to be born on this day.....which will be amazing because it will let me be reminded of life which you were always full of. I hope you and your dad are well and looking down on your family with the immense love that you had for them.....you are always remembered and loved.....
Craig Johnson, Friend
I didn`t know Jason well but he was engaged to my cousin Coleen Mcdonald who which I am close too. I also know that Jason was on the NFA Crew team and at the boathouse near the hudson river they have a boat named right after him. I am now on the NFA crew team and Jason is a half part of why I wanted to do crew. On this day of Easter I went to visit Jason`s grave at Calvary cemetery in New Windsor Ny and I talked to him and told him what I did for him and Coleen. In my heart I know that Jason is still family to me . God Bless You Jason, me and the family misses you very much!
Rachel DiCesare, Family
Jason, your in my thoughts every day and I truely miss your friendship in my life. Miss you! Jennifer (Montone) Weber
Jennifer (Montone) Weber, Friend
Jason, Not a day goes by that your not in my thoughts. Miss you! Jennifer
Jennifer (Montone) Weber, Friend
Dear Jason: Every day something reminds us of you. We miss you immensely but feel you looking down and smiling on us (and occassionally playing pranks on Jon, of course). We will be sure that our daughter, Jadyn Marley (recognize those initials?), knows all about you and keeps you close to her heart as she gets older. Rest in peace.
Jen and Jon F., Friend
Remembering you ... Today, tomorrow, always.
m-, Friend
Dear Jason, I remember you everday. My heart still aches for you and Colleen. Rest in peace.
A Friend, Friend
I did not know Jason personally, but two years ago at a memorial service commemorating the first anniversary of Sept 11th, each of us received a heart with the name of someone lost on that day, and the notation 'We will never forget.' The one I received had Jason's name on it, and I decided then to keep it and take it out every year on this anniversary - to just pause for a moment to remember that this person had lived, loved and been loved, and been precious to the people in his life. I am a perfect stranger, but now Jason is a part of my life and the lives of the people I touch as well. In this way, I hope to pass his memory on. It is a small tribute, but one that is truly meaningful to me. I feel honored to be able to remember Jason in this way.
Julie, Friend
I knew Jason and his family almost my whole life. We met in elementary school and were friends from the start. He was even my 'boyfriend' in elementary school and was the first boy to give me a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day when we were in sixth grade. Jason was always a kind hearted person and would do anything for anybody. After high-school we lost touch for awhile when everyone went away to different colleges, but after college we ran into each other a few times at popular 'hang out' spots and he was still the same Jason I remember. He loved life and loved to laugh and have fun. He loved his family and boy did he love his Colleen. On 9/11/01 the world lost one of the best people I will have ever known, but heaven gained one very special angel. We all miss you Jason and we will remember you ALWAYS.
Kim, Friend
I met Jason on my first day at MMC and he acted as a mentor and was a friend to me from the beginning. He had a great sense of humor, was sweet, caring and loved to have fun. He entertained us all with his stories and was a true friend. The kind of person that would do anything for those people that he cared about. He was truly a great man and I hold the good times we had together close to my heart.
Corinne Pergolis, Colleague
I worked with Jason for a short time, but we became good friends. We took the same train home at night and he introducted me to all his train friends and his dad. I would have gotten lost in Grand Central Station if it wasn't for him. When he moved downtown we remained friends calling each other often. I miss you. You will always be in my heart. Betsy
Betsy Gaudio, Colleague