John "Jack" Coe

John "Jack" Coe

September 24, 1935 - August 28, 2024

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John Coe's Livestream Service will begin at 3:00 CT on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”


MADISON - John W. “Jack” Coe died at home on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, after a long illness.  He was 88 years old.


Jack was born on Sept. 24, 1935, to John J. and Vivian D. (née Nicoletti) Coe in Brooklyn, N.Y. and grew up on Long Island.  A talented physics student, he also attended a special program at The Juilliard School for high school musicians before graduating from East Rockaway High School in 1953 and from Ithaca College in 1958 with a degree in music performance (trombone).  After earning a Master of Music degree (MM) from Manhattan School of Music and a Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) from Indiana University, Jack taught music at universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Colorado. In 1976, he was hired by the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) as a Higher Education Consultant, eventually serving as a Legislative Consultant.  Some of Jack’s proudest accomplishments at WEAC involved reaching across the aisle in the state legislature to obtain great results for Wisconsin teachers and students. Jack retired from WEAC in 1999.


While at WEAC he met Mary Pitassi, who shared his deep love of music, travel and lifelong learning. Jack and Mary visited many sites throughout the U.S and Canada, including Jackson, Wy., the Four Corners area of the Southwest, Colonial Williamsburg, Montreal and Saskatchewan, in addition to their annual holiday trip to Gulf Shores, Ala., and New Orleans.  In Jack’s later years, they enjoyed spending time in their home and visiting their favorite Madison-area restaurants.


Jack was a licensed pilot, a member of the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol, a member of Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton, and an emeritus member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. He published several articles about naval aviation and volunteered cataloguing collections at the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.  He was an avid reader and an enthusiastic participant in the Senior Guest Auditor program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for more than a decade. He was also a devoted friend to many.  His intellect, wit and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.


Jack is survived by his loving life partner of 30 years, Mary Pitassi; son, William Ritchen; daughter, Nancy Rower; and granddaughter, Sophia.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jacqueline Bythway and Adrienne Kurtz; and nephew, John Kurtz.


Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation (wisvetsmuseum.com), Agrace HospiceCare (www.agrace.org/donate/), the Madison Public Library Foundation (mplfoundation.org/donate/), or the Wisconsin Historical Society (wisconsinhistory.org/donate/).


A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761



Events

15
Visitation
Sun Dec 15, 2024 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
15
Memorial Service
Sun Dec 15, 2024 @ 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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CG
Chet Gerlach
Other •
Enjoyed many days on the golf course and evenings in the State Capital with Jack. The world is a much better place because of him! Chet Gerlach
JS
John Stocks
Other •
I had the honor and privilege to work closely with Jack during my tenure at WEAC. I remember spending long nights together in the State Capitol while the legislative caucuses deliberated on the state budget. Jack would school me about naval aviation and other interests. It was a pleasure to work with Jack on behalf of public education and educators. John Stocks, retired NEA Executive Director
DL
Doug Lueck
Other •
Mary - Condolences to you and the family. I met Jack back in the 70s (when he was WEAC's higher education person) and had dutifully stopped at my UWM office while making the rounds of the UW campuses. And my WEAC connection began. A few years later, after a trombone serenade in the basement of his Midvale home and a Cessna flight to his cabin in CO, I came on staff and eventually became his successor. OY, what a tangled web we sometimes weave! Lots of great memories. PS I was a trombonist, too, but with a skill nowhere close to his.
JM
John Matthews
Other •
Jack did a superb job in representing the interests of WEAC members. I enjoyed working with him in the interest of the members of WEAC and Madison Teachers Inc (MTI) for many years. He was highly respected by legislators and Wisconsin Governors. John Matthews, MTI Executive Director (retired).
TC
Tom Coogan
Other •
Jack mentored me during my last year in college as an intern. He taught me the importance of relationships and being kind to all - seeing the different perspectives and finding common ground. A true gentleman! RIP Jack..
BR
Bill R
Other •
It was such a pleasure getting to know Jack and sharing times together that I have wonderful memories of. My heart goes out to Mary and all of you that feel the deep loss of his passing. As Always, Bill

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