Joseph Andrew Coen

Joseph Andrew Coen was born to William Dale Coen and Barbara Coen Quinn on April 8, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. He passed away comfortably after a yearlong battle with cancer with his three daughters by his side on December 21, 2018, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Joe grew up with his four siblings, Nancy, Jean, Bill, and Tracy in Sound Beach, Long Island, New York where he graduated from Rocky Point Junior Senior High School in 1981. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. Upon graduation, he entered the nuclear power pipeline attending the Navy Nuclear Power School which then culminated in service on the USS James K Polk (SSBN-645) as Officer of the Deck and Engineering Officer of the Watch. Joe chose to resign his commission at the same time POLK finished up her 66th and final Deterrent Patrol in 1991. He finished out his military service as a reservist. Joe deeply valued his service to his country and the camaraderie and relationships he developed with the men and women he served with. Joe went on to have a successful career working for BAE Systems for two decades, transitioned to DRS Technologies, and finally was the Physical Security Subject Matter Expert for Honeywell Technology Solutions. Joe retired in 2017 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Joe raised his family in Mount Pleasant. He was many things in life: a son, a brother, a husband, a musician, a naval officer, an engineer, a golfer, a hunter, an active member of his community and a friend to many. He excelled at them all but the role he truly shined in was as a father. More than anything, Joe relished the time he spent nurturing his three daughters, always taking immense pride in the accomplishments they and their brother achieved. As accomplished as Joe was, he truly enjoyed the simple things in life: excellent company, the camaraderie that comes with the undying commitment he showed towards his friends, good music, golf and a wonderful sense of humor.

Joe's courage, faith and grace were inspiring as he battled cancer for more than a year when doctors predicted he had but a few months. He was always optimistic, choosing to look at his blessings despite the difficulties he faced on a regular basis. He joked and laughed with hospital staff at every appointment. He never hid from his illness and he spoke out publicly, urging the medical and lay community to help find a cure.

Joseph is survived by three daughters, Olivia (Matthew Finlayson), Emma, and Meredith Coen of Mount Pleasant, SC; a son, Andrew Kinaci of Chicago, IL; his mother, Barbara Quinn of Mount Pleasant, SC; a sister, Nancy Presti (Philip) of Madison, CT and their three children, Caroline, Courtney and Thomas and by his brother, William Coen (Aimee) of Boston, MA, and their two children Caitlin and William. He is predeceased by his father, William Dale Coen and his sisters Jean Coen and Tracy Coen.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 7, 2019 in Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1149 Russell Drive at 10:30 am. The Rite of Committal will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Road. The family will receive friends in J. HENRY STUHR, INC. MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 955, Charleston, SC 29425