John W. Cokefair, 98, died peacefully at Purcell Hospice in Lady Lakes, Fla. on March 25 following a short illness.
John was born on Oct. 29, 1913 in Newark, N.J., the son of Fred and Julia (Trembly) Cokefair where he spent many years in Madison, N.J. After high school, John graduated from drafting/design school in Newark, N.J. where he went on to work for Curtis-Wright Aircraft. He married Mildred Donsbach Garwood and eventually retired to Alna.
In later years after the death of his wife, John moved to Florida in 2008 to live with his daughter, Robin Garwood Bean and her husband Charles. John became active volunteering his time polishing brass items for The Florida Carriage and Horse Museum.
John also loved his New England Patriots and enjoyed watching all the games. He also had a great love of animals and enjoyed the outdoors.
John was a wonderful storyteller.
John is survived by his daughter, Robin Garwood Bean and husband Charles of The Villages, Fla.; son, Richard Garwood and wife Joanne; granddaughter, Ashley; grandson, Tom, all of North Wales, Penn.; grandson, Donald Garwood and wife Jennifer of Mt. Laurel, N.J.; sister-in-law, Anna Donsbach of Bremen; and nephew, Jon Cokefair of Salem, Wis.
There will be no funeral; however, a family gathering will be planned in June in Pt. Pleasant, N.J. (Clarks Landing) where he had his beloved boat, Seafoam III, docked for many years, to honor his memory.
Contributions in his name may be made to The Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
