Avid Fisherman

Albert Lawrence Coey, 89, of Woodbury, died March 5, 2016, after a short illness and hospitalization. He was the husband of Karla Anne (Sachsenhauser) Coey.
Lawrence was born March 24, 1926, in Summit NJ, the son of Albert Edward Coey and Ione Florence (Shopp) Coey. He was graduated from Woodbury High School in June 1944 and in July 1944, he was inducted into the U.S. Army, at the age of 18.He served a few days more than two years, and was with the 5Th Army, HQ Battery, 15th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. He fought in engagements in the North Appenines and the Po Valley of Italy. He was discharged as a Tech Motor Sergeant. Lawrence always said his Army years were difficult but gave him solid experience to build on as he matured in his life.
Larry's return home from WWII in July 1946, led him to furthering his education. He graduated from Cheshire Academy and Wilcox Technical School. From these four years, Larry learned that he did not want to go further with college; and that he did not want to be an auto mechanic! Within 5 years, he was the Sole Proprietor of Midway Sporting Goods and Supply selling and buying fishing equipment, first at his store in Oakville, then at his store on Main Street, Watertown. He maintained his business for approximately 36 years until 1986 when he retired. For several years thereafter Larry set up his truck at flea markets in the area.
In the early 1950's a customer and friend of Larry's, Karl, introduced him to his 7 or 8 year old daughter, Karla. She liked to go to Mr. Coey's store in Oakville and look at all the lures, rubber worms, beads, feathers for tying fly's and all of the other interesting merchandise. He was sure to buy her a Coke from his Coke machine. Many years later in 1989, Karla was divorced and living with her son in Terryville, both parents had died, and she called Mr. Coey for advice on her father's gear. Larry found his way to her house and became a regular visitor. He also helped Karla through some difficult medical problems with strong and loyal support. In 1992, they were married, and he likes to call her "My Karla". At age 66 and never having been married, this was a brave move for Larry!

Besides his wife of 23 years, he leaves his step-son, Vance Grant (Jill) and their two daughters, Julia and Elizabeth, of West Chesterfield, NH. His nephew Kenneth R. Higgins III (Dee) and their son Tyler of North Eastham, MA and Seattle, WA. His niece Jennifer Higgins ( Mark Sakalauskas) and their son Will of Ann Arbor MI and his niece Sonia Morris (Derek) and their two daughters, Amanda and Madison, of Marblehead, MA. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister, Marilyn Ione (Coey) Higgins.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Visitation: Friends may call Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 2: 30-4: 30 at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home in Woodbury. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family.