Edward A. Coffey

Edward A. Coffey
Coffey as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts
In office
1938–1947
Preceded byGeorge J. Bates
Succeeded byJoseph B. Harrington
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 13th Essex district
In office
1935–1938
Preceded byFelix Irzyk
Succeeded byJ. Elmer Callahan
Personal details
Born(1892-10-17)October 17, 1892
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedApril 18, 1972(1972-04-18) (aged 79)
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
PartyRepublican
Alma materBoston College
Harvard Law School

Edward A. Coffey (October 17, 1892 – April 18, 1972) was an American politician who was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1935 to 1938 and mayor of Salem, Massachusetts from 1938 to 1947.

Early life

Coffey was born in Salem on October 17, 1892. He graduated from St. John's Preparatory School, Boston College, and Harvard Law School.[1]

Politics

Coffey was a Salem city councilor from 1931 to 1932.[1] In 1934, he was elected to represent the 13th Essex district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.[2]

In 1937, Coffey beat his nearest opponent by a 2–1 margin to become mayor of Salem.[3] He continued to serve in the House until the end of his term, following a precedent set by his predecessor, George J. Bates, who continued to serve as Mayor after he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.[4] Coffey was reelected without opposition in 1939, 1943, and 1945 and beat state representative James F. Tobin by a wide martin in 1941.[5][6][7] In 1947, he finished third in a three-candidate race behind Joseph B. Harrington and Philip L. Morency.[8]

Coffey planned to run for the Massachusetts's 6th congressional district seat following Bates' death in 1950, but withdrew in favor of his son, William H. Bates.[9]

Death

Coffee died on April 18, 1972 at his home in Salem.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 Public Officials of Massachusetts. 1937. p. 132. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Legislature Near Deadlock". The Boston Globe. November 8, 1934.
  3. ↑ "Carens Beats Mayor Gillis, 2-1". The Boston Globe. December 8, 1937.
  4. ↑ "To Save Salem $1800 in Salary". The Boston Globe. December 26, 1937.
  5. ↑ "Newsdealer Wins Election to School Board at Salem". The Boston Globe. December 6, 1939.
  6. ↑ "Salem Elects Veteran to School Committee". The Boston Globe. December 5, 1945.
  7. ↑ "Coffey Reelected by Wide Margin as Salem Mayor". The Boston Globe. December 3, 1941.
  8. ↑ "Harrington Wins Salem Mayoralty". The Boston Globe. December 3, 1947.
  9. ↑ Harris, John (January 15, 1950). "First Party Test of 1950 What's the Story in 6th District?". The Boston Globe.
  10. ↑ "Edward Coffey, former mayor of Salem, 79". The Boston Globe. April 19, 1972.
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