Robert (Bob) Coakley also known affectionately as Bob Cat, Boobie, and Papa, was born to William and Sarah Coakley in Elmhurst Illinois. He was the second born between his two brothers William and Charles Coakley. Bob served his country proudly as part of the occupation Army in Japan at the end of World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1947, coming home to his family in Chicago. He spent many years exploring a number of occupations looking for his niche, as did many young men after leaving the military. He did eventually find a great career in aerospace. Bob married Karen Martin on Jan. 6, 1963. The couple made their home in Chicago where Bob was employed by F&B Manufacturing. While living in Chicago they were blessed with two daughters, Elisabeth (Lisa) Ellen and Julie Kay. The family moved to Glendale Arizona when F&B sent Bob to oversee the building of a new branch of the business.
Bob was at various times the owner of several businesses. Bob and his brother Charlie opened a bar in Chicago’s Old Town District called “The Glass Crutch”. Later he owned a restaurant called Horsefeathers in Scottsdale AZ. Horsefeathers was the home of the famous ½ pound burger! His restaurant partners were brother Charlie and friend Al Bloom. Eventually after these adventures in restaurant service he shifted his focus to his real love of aerospace, and he created businesses in the aerospace sales and manufacturing industry. Bob loved working in the aerospace & aviation manufacturing industry throughout his life. Being at the top in sales was just his thing. Coakley and Associates and Coakley Sales were two of his Aerospace sales companies. In the early 90’s he joined ownership in a manufacturing shop called Spur Gear where he employed both of his daughters. He was so proud of that shop and it was great, until it wasn’t. But it led to his association with Air Gear International. There he worked with Tom & his BFF Marilyn Johnson. He remained working there until his retirement when he was nearly age 90.
Throughout the years as the family grew there were many gatherings of the tribe at the home of Grammy and Papa including Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, birthdays, swim parties or for no reason other than to just be together. All were welcome including extended family, friends, and friends of friends. Come on over was the family motto. Bob was always happy to welcome anyone into the home to eat, drink, and have fun.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Karen, his daughters Lisa Carlson (Paul), Julie Emmerling (Randy), grandchildren Amber, Chelsea, Elizabeth (Liz), Great grandchildren Bella, Miles, Cade, Ivy and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, and his beloved grandson Christopher Robert, son of Lisa.
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