Blog

December 22, 2002

On Saturday, December 21, in the last game of the day, Joe Coehlo passed away. Joe was a veteran league member with several years and was our oldest playing member. Joe was not only a “player” but he was a devoted participant. He would arrive early every Saturday and leave late every Saturday. He helped keep the books and helped to be sure the equipment and supplies were accounted for. The statistical spread sheets passed out that day were prepared and distributed by Joe–he did this for the players and league. He will certainly be missed.

A wake will be held at the Reilly Funeral Home, 1200 Cetnral Avenue from 4 to 8 on Monday, December 23. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, December 24th at 9 am at St. Helen’s Church, Schenectady.

Joseph served in the Signal Corp Branch of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Born in Providence, R.I., he moved to this area 45 years ago and was employed for 40 years at the Albany Airport, retiring in 1994 as an electronics and radar supervisor.

Joseph enjoyed playing basketball and was a member of the Colonie Senior and the Thursday Basketball leagues.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marie Santos Coelho; and four children, Donna Marie (Dennis) Purtel of Lebanon, Tenn., Jennifer Ann (Daniel) Murphy of Rotterdam, Joseph D. (Nancy) Coelho III of Greenback, Tenn., and Stephen A. Coelho of Niskayuna. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kelsea and Joseph D. Coelho IV and Devin and Garrett Murphy; and two sisters, Frances Dias of Tiverton, R.I. and Joan Crawford of Las Vegas, Nev. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ellen Fitzgerald Coelho.

Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday morning at 9:00 at St. Helen’s Church, Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, 1200 Central Ave., Colonie, N.Y.

For those who desire, memorial offerings to St. Helen’s School, 1803 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12309, would be appreciated.