William James Coffey passed away in Fort Lauderdale, FL February 27, 2023 at the age of 88.  Born to William J. Coffey and Mary Margaret Coffey (née Croughan) on Aug. 25, 1934 in Worcester, MA, he is survived by his beloved niece, Christine Peachey (Harry), along with many grandnieces and grandnephews.  He was preceded in death by his father; mother; sister, Joan Marie Andersen; and brother, Richard.

Upon graduation from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, MA, Bill earned a BS degree at the College of the Holy Cross. Following graduation, he enlisted and served for three years in the U.S. Air National Guard followed by three years in the Air Force Reserve. Upon fulfilling his six-year military obligation, he was offered an opportunity to be considered for a direct captain’s commission but, with some regret, he chose an academic and professional career and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

Bill earned his MBA at the University of Massachusetts and attended New York University for his doctorate. His arresting doctoral dissertation was a study of the Securities and Exchange Commission from its 1934 inception to 1974, for which he earned a Ph.D. Dr. Coffey was a Certified Public Accountant who, for thirty years, was Professor of Accounting for graduate and doctoral programs at the Pace University Lubin School of Business and retired as Professor of Accounting in Residence in 2004. He also was editor of the SEC commentary section of the New York State Society of CPA’s journal and lectured at various firms and organizations including Citibank, N.A. and NYU Institute of Retail Management.

Bill enjoyed a long professional life in New York City. He was the consummate educator who had as much a love for teaching as he did for learning. Bill’s closest peers have passed on but is survived by Attorney Herbert K. Reis who provided extraordinary support and was a close friend during their professional years in New York and upon retirement in Florida.  Honoring Bill’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA and St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury, MA.