Coleman Foley

Coleman “Coley” Foley, aged 87, of Stoughton, formerly a resident of Norwood, Walpole and Norton, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Coleman Foley and Dorothy (Kelley) Foley. He leaves behind a life defined by service, humor, community, and deep love for family and friends.

Born and raised in Norwood, Coley tended net for the Norwood High School hockey team—earning the unforgettable nickname “Coley Foley the Goalie”. He earned a hockey scholarship to Boston College (where he also later earned his MBA), and joined the Marines while completing his undergraduate studies. Upon graduation he proposed to his first wife, Peggy, and began his training as a pilot on both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, earning the Navy League’s “Wings of Gold” award for graduating at the top of his class. As reward for his success, he was assigned to Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in Hawaii, where Coley flew helicopters in what he called “paradise”.

On discharge from active service, he settled in Walpole, MA, where he and Peggy raised their four children. He began a long and successful career with Bank of New England, where he would remain for 35 years in International and Municipal Banking. While building his career, he continued serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. Over the course of a distinguished 33-year career in the Marine Corps, Coley rose to become the commanding officer of Marine Air Support Squadron-6 at South Weymouth Naval Air Station, retiring with the rank of full colonel.

After the heartbreaking loss of Peggy to cancer, Coley was blessed to find love again with his wife and best friend, Lorraine. Together for 36 years and married for 18, they lived first in Avon, then for many happy years in Norton. They wintered every year in Naples, Florida, where Coley was known as “the Mayor” because of his love for poolside schmoozing. The two shared amazing travels and a rich social life; a usual highlight would be Coley happily grabbing the nearest unguarded microphone to lead his signature “Charlie on the MTA” singalong.

With community service ranging from Chairman of the Board of Norwood Hospital to treasurer of his condo association, Coley stayed active and engaged in every chapter of his life. He was also a lifelong athlete, logging countless miles as a runner.

Above all, Coley treasured his family. He was a devoted grandpa, always making time to attend games, recitals, and school activities. With his blended family of nine children, fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, Coley cherished his role as loving and involved parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. Though he was proud of his accomplishments in uniform and in business, Coley was even prouder of the family and friendships that filled his life with love.

Coley is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine, his children: Chris Foley, Lisa (Jim Cooney) Foley, Laura (Drew) Carnase, and Kim O’Shaughnessy, and his grandchildren: Megan, Kyle, Sean, Sam, Molly, Abby, and Emmie. He also leaves behind Lorraine’s children Linda Lawrie-Braunstein, Jeanne Kling (Brian), Catherine Lawrie, Mary Meninno, and Jim Meninno (Karen), whom he happily welcomed into the family through marriage. He was the brother of Dottie Ann Coughlin (Donald), and was predeceased by his wife Margaret “Peggy” (McDonald) Foley, and his brother Peter.

At the request of the family, Funeral Services will be held privately with the assistance of the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., (Rt.1A) Norwood.