Frank August Coffen, known affectionately to his family as “Pap Pap”, passed away on February 21, 2026, following a short illness and a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s, at the age of 83.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Frank’s life was defined by hard work and a deep devotion to his loved ones. After high school, he served his country with pride as a Chief Petty Officer 3rd Class in the US Navy. Following his service, he returned to Pennsylvania to work as a millwright in the steel mills before eventually making Seaford, Virginia, his home for most of his life. Frank retired after 34 dedicated years at the Newport News Shipyard.
Frank was a man of many talents, from masterfully building furniture in his woodshop to tending his garden. However, his greatest “hobby” was simply ensuring his wife, Charlotte, was happy. With his bright blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room, he was the ultimate host, famous for the weekly pool parties he held every summer for friends and family.
Frank is reunited in peace with his parents, Louis and Martha Coffen; his beloved wife, Charlotte Burnette and his son, Jason Louis Coffen.
His legacy of kindness and hard work lives on through his brother, Louis “Lucky” (Cynthia) Coffen and their children, Reona Colaizzi (John), Jackson and Travis Coffen; his daughter-in-law, Lonnell (Jason) Coffen; his grandsons, Jeremy and Troy and his stepdaughters, Sheryl Hoard and Teri (Bruce) Lowe. He also leaves behind a vibrant “village” of grandchildren—Emily Hoard, Lauren Lansing, Jaime (Travis) Bowman, Hillary Hawthorne (Justin Reyes), Brittany (Robert) Snapp and great-grandchildren, Gwenith and Livingston Lansing, Reagan Snapp, Levi and Delilah Bowman— who will all miss their Pap Pap dearly.
We would like to extend our love to his lifelong friend, Herb Carlson and thanks to his newfound friend, Betty Palmer, for being so kind to him as well as the staff at The Hidenwood.
Per Frank’s request, No Formal Services will be held.
In his memory, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.
