With his Rosie (Rose Magas Shideler) at his side, Denny Coffee passed away after a valiant effort to overcome his health issues. Denny touched a vast number of lives with his multiple talents and unsurpassed personality.
Denny was born in San Francisco, California. He moved from Isleton to Concord in the mid-1940's. He attended Concord Elementary School where he was introduced to academics and football. Denny was the quarterback for the Mt. Diablo Devil Junior Varsity, and was moved to the varsity in his sophomore year. The late Coach Hart Fairclough mentored him on the field. He furthered his education and his football career at
Diablo Valley College and Oregon Tech. Still having an intense desire to play football, he accepted the position as quarterback of the CC Riders, a semiprofessional team that traveled throughout the area. He played with and against many great athletes.
Denny was an insurance broker and inherited the family business, Logan A. Coffee, Inc. Denny was also an accomplished pianist. He had a high school band while attending Mt. Diablo High School, a professional band while attending Oregon Tech, and quite a few professional gigs while running the family business.
Denny was active in local fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Pittsburg Elks Lodge #1474 for many years. He was also a member of Concord Grove #155 of the United Ancient Order of Druids. Denny was a force to behold in growing the Grove to the present largest unit in the United States. Denny founded the "4.0 Lifetime Scholarship Club" which has benefitted students throughout the state of California.
Denny is survived by "His Rosie," of Concord, his sister Linda Coffee Hughes of Concord, and his niece Dawn Kreiss.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 12:00pm at the Elks Lodge 200 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg.