George Stephen Arthur Coates, age 73, of Flower Mound, TX passed away from this world to rejoice with our Lord on 4 January 2021 at Baylor Scott and White in Grapevine TX, due to an infection stemming from a two-year battle with intestinal issues. He was surrounded by his wife Giuseppina (Pina) and his daughter Roberta Coates Goff.
George was born 28 February 1947 in Newton, New Jersey to Katherine Hood and George W Coates Jr. He was raised in Charleston, South Carolina with his two sisters, Pamela Carol and Cynthia Lynn. Upon graduation from Chicora High School in 1966 he joined the US Army and became a Military Police Officer (MP).
His first overseas assignment was to Kagnew Station, Asmara Eritrea. He met and married the love of his life of 53 years, Giuseppina (Pina) Spagnolo. Shortly there after he was sent to Korea where he had to leave his pregnant wife since they did not allow family travel to that region. Upon his return to Kagnew Station he met his only child, Roberta, for the first time.
The Army took them on many adventures and gave them a lifetime of memories beginning with a quick stint at Fort McPherson in Atlanta GA. Then reassigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama. During his time there he became a Criminal Investigator (CID). He had found is true calling and life long passion.
His next adventure took his family to Heilbronn Germany, where they were completely unprepared for the German weather. In true military fashion they adjusted and adapted and called it home
for the next 5 years, making memories and traveling and seeing family in Italy every summer.
His next assignment sent him to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI. where he became an Officer with the Rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW1). While there George and his family were introduced to Michigan winters, which were not for the faint of heart, and an infestation of something called “fish flies”, yes, it was as bad as it sounds.
His Next 4 years he was assigned to Darmstadt, Germany where he had many successes, achieving the rank of CW2 and also becoming the Special Agent In-Charge (SAC) and running an extremely successful office of investigators. His wit, professionalism and attitude won him the admiration of his staff, which included Americans and Germans.
In 1985 George was reassigned to Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX, much to the ire of his daughter who was entering her senior year of HS. During his time in El Paso he rose to the rank of CW3 and obtained his BA in Business Administration. George and his daughter attended UTEP at the same time and extremely careful that they did not have any overlapping classes together.
As to be expected, the Army called him and his family to Presidio, San Francisco CA. He became a Senior Economic Crimes Investigator with the Army Major Procurement Fraud Unit. He was very proud that he was integral part of recovering millions of dollars for the Army.
In 1994, George retired from the Army with many Awards under his belt, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (Two Awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
George began life in the “Civilian World” working for the LA Metro Transit Authority (MTA) in the Inspector General Office, where he met many that would become close dear friends.
While living in Rossmoor, CA he enjoyed many long summer visits with his family especially his 3 grand kids, Benjamin, Maxwell and Daniella and multiple trips to Disney and many of the areas theme parks. In addition to frequent visits with family from Italy.
George and his son-in-law, Andy Goff, shared a special bond and loved going to the shooting range. He loved to show off his sharp shooting skills and the saying “Not bad for an old guy”.
In 2019, after 25 years with MTA he retired to TX to be closer to family. While enjoying retirement did not go as planned due to illness, he was incredibly grateful to enjoy his family every chance he had, they were his source of joy and support.
George is survived by his beautiful wife Pina, Flower Mound TX. His daughter and son-in-law Roberta Coates Goff and Andy Goff, Coppell TX, 3 grandchildren, Benjamin Goff, Maxwell Goff, and Daniella Goff. Sister, Pam Gagnon (Claude) Windsor CT, Sister-in-law Lidia Spagnolo, Rome Italy, Brother-in-law Furio Spagnolo Rome Italy. Nieces and Nephews, Cristina Spagnolo Italy, Greg Gagnon, CT, Eric Gagnon CT, Elizabeth Lafont TX, Nicholas Papini Italy Gebriele Kubrom, Germany and Branch Lewis, NY.
He is preceded in Death by sister Cindy Lewis, sister in law Yolanda Spagnolo, Nephew Timothy Gagnon.
A visitation will be held Monday 1/11/21 from 5-7 pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Parkway, Coppell TX. Funeral Service for George will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, 1/12/21 at 11am with burial to follow in Rolling Oaks Memorial Center.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5