John R. Coxe

John R. Coxe, 93 of West Chester, PA passed away Friday June 6, 2025 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of the late Barbara Claire Coxe.

Born March 23, 1932, in West Chester, PA he was the son of the late L. Clarence Coxe and the late Charlotte Keen Coxe.

John grew up and lived on the same property much of his life. And eventually built a home to start a family of his own. He graduated from West Chester High in 1950. He enlisted in the Army in May of 1953 to May of 1957 stateside during the Korean War. He was responsible for the transportation of the Nike missile from El Paso, TX to New Mexico.

Upon his return he became a member of the Concordville Fire Company in 1958 where he was on both the fire and ambulance crews, served as Assistant Fire Chief, was a member of the Board of Directors in ’72, ’73 and ‘74 and eventually became a lifetime member. As well as serving as a mentor to up and coming colleagues.

He worked for Bell Telephone, now Verizon, for 40 years as a lineman and cable splicer up to his retirement in 1995.

John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester. Also, a member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge in Downingtown and a member of the American Legion in West Chester.

John found his greatest joy in the outdoors, where he spent much of his time engaged in the activities he loved. He was always active, with a wide range of hobbies, especially collecting unique items discovered during his travels. Items that were a “you never know when you’re going to need them” types or “I can fix that.” He took pride in fixing cars and making sure the lawn was always in tip top shape.

John cherished our family camping trips with longtime friends, the West’s. He shared many memorable adventures with our mom, including travels to Ireland and riverboat journeys on the Delta and Mississippi Queen. In recent years, he became a fan of the Phillies and celebrated the Eagles’ Super Bowl victories with great enthusiasm. Above all, John treasured the time spent with his family, taking care of our mother and creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter.

John is survived by children, Valerie A. Derendinger (Scott), Robert J. Taylor (Vicky), Walter M. Taylor (Chris), Lisa L. Duffy (Tony) and Tammi L. Coxe (Kathy); 12 grandchildren, Barb, Tara, Stephen Jr (Joanne), Michael, Jennifer, Crystal, Christopher, Ashley (Kevin), Danny (Kelly), Max, Travis and Cooper; 14 great grandchildren, Stephen III, Ryan, Melissa, Aaron, Samantha, Brianna, Alexa, Cheyenne, Kadence, Maddison, Zoe, Jalen, Jaxon and Adelia. He is also survived by a niece, Gail E. Coxe along with great and great, great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9:30 am - 10:15 am at First Presbyterian Church of West Chester 130 W. Miner St. West Chester, PA 19382 with Masonic and Funeral services immediately following.

Interment will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery Linwood PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA and/or the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com