Richard William Coelho

Richard W. Coelho Sr. (Bill) died peacefully on November 19, 2021 in Ada, MI, surrounded by his family. He left behind his spouse of 43 years Nancy G. Coelho, his son Richard William Coelho Jr., his daughters Sara Anne Wilson and Tracy Jeanne Kaspari, as well as three grandsons, Bodhi (4), Everett (3) and Owen (2). Additionally, he leaves behind daughters Carin Shadwick and Colleen Coelho from his first marriage as well as grandchildren Chevonne, Jan and Nicole Shadwick and Cassius Coelho. He also leaves behind his brother Tom and a large group of nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.

“He was a good man”…has been the common thread of the many condolences we have all received…and it is a true statement. He was born in Newark, Ohio on May 15, 1941 of parents Joseph William and Phyllis (Crane) Coelho. He lived in Newark through his teenage years and often fondly remembered the community and his many Aunts, Uncles and cousins there. His last trip to Newark was several years ago to visit the graves of his Mom and Dad.

Bill was a quiet man with an infectious sense of humor who loved teasing his kids and grandchildren every chance he got. He purchased a series of masks that he used throughout the Covid-19 pandemic when “PopPop” Facetimed with the grandkids. Most recently, he wore one for his hospice care manager when she visited on Halloween.

His professional life included management roles for Owings Corning Fiberglas, and Specialty Products and Insulation. He enjoyed his various roles with these companies but ultimately his health took him out of the workforce.

It was after recovering from a heart attack that he discovered a passion for off-roading in a Jeep. Our first family outing was in his two-wheel drive company Jeep and we promptly got stuck. Friends rescued us and that led to the purchase of our first Wrangler. Bill became active in the local Connecticut Jeep clubs and we shared many fun adventures with this great group of people. As his expertise developed, he discovered Jeep Jamborees. These guided Jeep trips let you explore the backcountry across the United States and we attended 25 of these events over the years, but he always wished he had been able to run the Rubicon trail.

He taught the kids how to rebuild Jeeps. Each of them spent hours with him in the garage of our houses in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland learning the in’s and out’s of parts and assembly. Most recently, he completed the restoration of a 1950 CJ3A Willys with the help of Brian and the wonderful team at Jeep Armory in Cedar Springs, MI. He was deeply fulfilled when this long-term project was completed.

Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who also loved to travel and some of his happiest moments were in discovering a new place, food or experience with family members. He was deeply compassionate and became a ready source of support for all causes for the less fortunate. As his health began to fail, he still enjoyed outings in the car and trips to Lake Michigan. He maintained his sense of humor until the end.

Bill didn’t want a funeral so the family will be planning a Celebration of Life later this year in the Smoky Mountains.