Robert J. Coelho, 82

Robert J. Coelho, 82, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 31 at Lancaster General Hospital with his wife and family by his side. Born in Maui, HI, he was the son of the late Manuel and Teresa (Ventura) Coelho. Bob was the husband of Mary V. (Bialobryski) Coelho, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage this past January 30^th.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He met Mary in New York and settled in Port Washington where they raised their family. He repaired upholstery for Professional Furniture Service and many private customers. The clatter of the commercial sewing machine was a familiar sound in the Coelho household as he and Mary worked together in the evenings and on weekends. Besides repairing furniture, he enjoyed working around the house. After retirement, he and Mary settled in Lancaster. Whether working in the yard or on a project in his woodshop in Maine, his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Rosie, was by his side. By far his pride and joy was the family cabin in Maine on Rangeley Lake that he enjoyed and worked on for more than 40 years. Growing up, each year the children looked forward to spending the month of August in Rangeley. After retirement, he and Mary spent their entire summers there. He was an avid golfer and treasured the time he spent at Mingo Springs Golf Course with his family. An avid pinochle player, he and Mary passed along their love for the game to their children and grandchildren. At every family gathering, after the meal was done, the cards came out and the pinochle tournaments often went on well past midnight.

Surviving in addition to his wife Mary are five children: Robert Coelho Jr. husband of Marianne of Bay Shore, NY; Lani Coelho wife of David Snyder of Lancaster, PA; Douglas Coelho partner of Rodney Koliha of Boston, MA; Nancy Coelho Allen wife of Craig of Monroe, CT; and Thomas Coelho husband of Jane of Glen Cove, NY. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and a sister, Margaret Cravalho of Maui, HI. He was preceded in death by seven brothers.

Private services will be held in Rangeley this summer. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Water Street Rescue Mission, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17604. To send an online condolence or for more information, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100.