John W. Cofer

John W. Cofer, Sr., 88, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved husband of the late Jeannette (Fiano) Cofer, which they spent 39 years devoted to one another.

John was born and raised in Memphis, TN with the late siblings Virginia Pruett, Wendell E. Cofer and leaves behind Bill Cofer of TX. John enlisted in the US Navy after high school where he was stationed in Newport, RI. After his military career, John relocated to New Bedford where he started a family. He graduated from Fisher College and SMU of Dartmouth with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and worked for Borg Warner Auto in New Bedford Industrial Park as a manager of Mechanical Engineering. After retiring, John and his wife moved to Florida where they resided for 26 years before returning to New Bedford.

In his spare time, he enjoyed wood craving, reading, and golfing, while in Florida he was loyal member of the Lions Club.

He is the son of the late Eugene and Ora (Graves) Cofer of Memphis, TN. He is survived by his children, Pauline Pittsley of New Bedford, John W. Cofer, Jr. of NC, Linda Carvalho and her husband Michael of New Bedford, and Donald Cofer and his wife Cheryl of New Bedford; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Janet Rodrigues.

His funeral service will be Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Burial will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne. For online directions/tribute: www.rock-funeralhome.com.