Joseph Smith Coen, age 70, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, 23 August. He was born in Wilmington, DE, the sixth of seven children of Joseph M Coen and Virginia S Coen (neé Toulson).
He was a prolific athlete at Dickinson High School, graduating in 1974. He lettered in Football and Wrestling, and was selected to play in the 1974 Blue Gold All-Star Game.
On 22 October 1977 he married the love of his life, Karen Marie Fry.
He went on to multiple careers, for most of his life as a master cabinet builder and contractor (and notorious perfectionist), to insurance, and real estate in his later years. He was never good at sitting still!
He provided a fun-filled childhood for his kids, with his excellent sense of humor and ability to turn almost anything into an adventure!
Joe was always curious; a life-long learner, much of which was self-taught. He had broad and varied interests, but chief among them art, music, machines, religion, cars, sports, the natural world, and a general fascination with figuring out how things work.
He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan, especially enjoying games with family. He loved talking football play-calling and a little trash talk on our divisional rivals and certain disfavored commentators.
Joe was also a man of deep faith. He found great comfort in his relationship with God long before and during his almost three year battle with glioblastoma. His faith sustained him throughout.
He is survived by his cherished and beloved wife of nearly 49 years, Karen Fry Coen, his three children (aka his partners in crime) and their spouses: Lauren (Craig Cullumber), Seth (Alexis Higgins), and Joseph (Chon Thica), and his two grandsons, Evan Bourgeois and Mason Coen. Mason will claim “Papa” as his best friend forever, and Papa would agree.
Joe is also survived by his siblings, Ginna Bodycot (Bill), Doug Coen (Kathy), Kathleen Zerbe (Craig), Colleen Arterbridge (Bruce), Shawn Coen, Dennis Coen, as well as many much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe had a very rich life, with friends from every stage; from childhood, school days, church times, music friends, his kids’ friends, to neighbors, in addition to a huge family. He was really great at making connections and maintaining them. He will be missed as a true friend to many.
Special thanks to his niece, Lindsey Weist (RN), who was his champion through this battle. She, along with the excellent care team at Christiana, especially the nurses of 3A, made this much easier on our family, and we greatly appreciate them.
In his honor, please come up with the worst pun you can think of and tell someone who will absolutely roll their eyes. Dad would appreciate it.
Services will be held on Friday, 28 August at Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE beginning with Visitation from 10-11AM and Service beginning at 11:00. Burial will follow at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, Wilmington, DE
In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to contribute, the family would welcome donations to the Glioblastoma Research Organization. This rare and aggressive cancer is under-funded and extremely hard to treat. https://www.gbmresearch.org/
For online condolences visit: ww.mccreryandharra.com
