Brian Kelly Coakley

Brian Kelly Coakley lived life loudly, fully, and unapologetically. He loved deeply, laughed hard, and made sure the people around him were always having a good time. On May 12, 2026, after a brave six-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Brian passed away at the age of 60 — leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, and people who loved him dearly.

Born on September 25, 1965, to Richard and Joan (Tyburski) Coakley, Brian grew up surrounded by family, friendships, and the kind of experiences that shaped his adventurous spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve. He leaves behind the love of his life, Angela (Keiffer) Coakley; his son Brian (Mandy); his daughter Meghan; and the grandchildren he adored:  Brian Jr., Madison, and Maci. He is also survived by his siblings Rick, Keith (Mickey), Jody and Bob.

Brian’s family extended far beyond blood relatives. He shared a special bond with Bob and Cindy Keiffer, who loved him as their own son. Steve and Julie Harsh were among his closest friends and truly part of the family he built throughout his life. Brian also remained deeply connected to his former in-laws, Bob and Brenda Whalen, who continued to hold a special and lasting place in his life and in the hearts of his family.

Brian spent 19 years working as an Account Manager for Galloup, where he built not only lasting professional relationships, but many lifelong friendships – with coworkers, as well as customers.

He loved the outdoors – especially the peace and freedom of being up north in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on his annual grouse hunting trips with friends. Those weekends under the stars, filled with campfires, laughter, stories, and cold beers, were some of his happiest moments. Brian didn’t need much to be happy: good friends, fresh air, and a reason to laugh were enough.

Golf season was another favorite time of year. Brian played on countless golf leagues over the years, not because he cared about perfect scores, but because he loved the people and the fun that came with it. His approach to golf was pretty much his approach to life – don’t overthink it, just step up and swing. Some of his proudest moments were spent golfing alongside his son, Brian, as partners.

Brian also loved hockey. Whether it was cheering on the Detroit Red Wings or heading to Toledo Walleye games with family, hockey became something that brought everyone together.

But if there was one place Brian truly loved to be, it was on the sidelines watching his daughter Meghan play soccer. Through years of club soccer, high school games, and college matches, Brian never missed a chance to cheer her on. He was the soccer dad everyone counted on – the one with extra chairs, canopies, water, snacks, and whatever else someone forgot. Before every game, Brian and Meghan shared their own special good-luck handshake, a tradition that meant the world to both of them.

Brian was the life of every party. Fourth of July pool parties, concerts, cookouts, weekends with friends – if Brian was there, there would be laughter. His smile was contagious, his laugh unforgettable, and his energy impossible to ignore. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, included, and cared for.

He believed in living in the moment. “Live a little,” he would always say – and he meant it. Brian was spontaneous, fearless, and willing to take risks first and figure things out later. That spirit made life exciting for everyone around him.

More than anything, Brian had a heart of gold. He was the person who showed up. The person who helped without being asked. The friend everyone could count on.

And then there were his dogs – Franklin, Gus, and Josie – his beloved beagles who brought him endless joy. It brings comfort to his family to imagine Frankie and Gus greeting him the moment he arrived in Heaven.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on May 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania.

While flowers and planters are welcomed, the family asks that memorial donations be considered to the Toledo Humane Society in Brian’s honor, reflecting his lifelong love for animals.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer, where family and friends will gather to do what Brian would have wanted most — share stories, laugh together, and celebrate a life that was lived to the fullest.

Brian’s story does not end here. It lives on in every laugh shared between friends, every hockey game, every round of golf, every trip up north, every sideline cheer, and every reminder to simply “live a little.”

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