Hugh M. Coffman

Hugh M. Coffman, 77, of Lititz passed away at LGH on May 20, 2026 from a congenital heart valve problem.

Born in Lancaster, Hugh was the son of the late H. Marshall and Ethel M. (Brooks) Coffman. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Leoniak Coffman (and his two Ragdoll cats, Ollie and Lucy) who will miss his warmth, humor and intelligence.

Hugh graduated from Penn Manor High School in 1966. He was a political science major at Millersville University, earning his degree in 1970. Hugh used this degree to immediately get a job on Capitol Hill in Washington DC where he worked for several congressmen through the years as a speech writer, staffer, office administrator, and Congressional Committee liaison. Hugh then opened his own government public relations firm, Coffman Communications Group. Eventually Hugh got tired of the commute between his home in Lititz and Washington. He created and published The Lancaster County Shopper and Traveler, a niche publication for tourists.

Hugh was part of the early running craze in Washington in the early 1970’s, and he never stopped exercising. His final run was a few days before his passing.

The antique world became a passion for Hugh because it fed his love of history and inquisitive nature. He and his wife loved the hunt for something they never saw before and sometimes knew nothing about.

In addition to his wife (and cats), Hugh is survived by his sisters, Kathleen M. Wissler (Paul E. Sr.), Holtwood, Sandra L. Howe (the late Robert L.), Brunnerville, and Alice C. Hess (Clair M.), Holtwood; his sister-in-law, Pamela Leoniak, Barnwell, SC; as well as nieces and nephews.

At Hugh's request, services will be private.