Ronald Charles Coakley – Portsmouth Businessman

Was loved by many and crossed over on Saturday, July 31st at 5PM in Greenland, NH at his home surrounded by family. He fought for over 6 years to battle lung cancer with a goal to maintain his quality of life, which he achieved. A loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, partner, friend, mentor, and overall humble man and one that mere words can’t capture. Born April 20, 1944, in Portsmouth, NH. Ron descended from Irish (Coakley) and French Canadian (Lamonde) heritage that have resided in Portsmouth since the late 1800’s. Coakley Rd. located near the Portsmouth Traffic Circle is named after the dairy farm his grandfather, Cornelius Coakley, owned.

Ron attended elementary school at St. Patrick’s, went onto Portsmouth Jr. High, graduating from Portsmouth High School in 1963. After his school years he started his own homebuilding business in 1969 and started purchasing land throughout the area building homes and apartment buildings, all of which remain in Portsmouth today. He married and started his family, which became his most cherished accomplishment.

In 1972, upon the passing of his father, Patrick J. Coakley, he was asked to take over the family business of Coakley Construction, in Greenland, New Hampshire. He set out to build a large commercial real estate development and construction enterprise that included municipal projects such as Four Tree Island (1976), the revitalization of the current day Market Square (1978) both in Portsmouth. He continued to build many large projects all over the state of New Hampshire, acquiring the former Portsmouth Vocational Institute on the Route One bypass, which is now Toyota of Portsmouth.

He closely followed and admired the expansive career of another famous and historic Portsmouth businessman, Frank Jones, also setting his sights on how far and wide the skies could carry his aspirations. Ron challenged himself becoming a private pilot, owning a Lake Amphibian Turbo 250, flying to remote fjords in Newfoundland and Labrador fishing and hunting, and growing his enterprise to states from Maine to Florida.

Ronnie, as everyone called him, took many under his wings sharing everything he learned with those around him, when many needed help or advice, he was always their first call, he made the impossible possible for those around him. He set an amazing example for those who love him, and our angel has now flown to heaven. We will always have him in our thoughts and hearts, he gave us the foundation and it is up to us to continue what he began just the way he’d want it.

The Coakley family includes wife, Bianca (Maldini) Coakley, daughters Briana Marie (Coakley) Hyde, son-in-law Steven F. Hyde and late son-in-law Jon C. Hoyt (late 2006), daughter Tanya (Coakley) Larrain, son-in-law Michael Larrain, and three grandsons, the loves of his life, Carter Hoyt, Nicholas and Jack Larrain. Sister Deborah Schaub, Brother-in-law David Schaub, as well as those who predeceased him, brother Neil Coakley, (2012), and sister Patricia (Coakley) Case, (2013). Extended family DRs. Michael and Myhanh Metzger and daughters Ariana and Amelia. We love and will miss you so deeply.

Thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses at Mass General Hospital for helping Ron live a wonderful extended life through innovation and care. 

 Funeral Visitation Hours: Friday, August 6th 4-7PM, Farrell Funeral Home, 684 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Church Memorial and Burial Services: Saturday, August 7th 10AM Bethany Church 500 Breakfast Hill Rd, Rye, NH, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery 944 Middle Rd, Portsmouth NH

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