Daniel Coffey Obituary

Robin, today our neighbor Gary Baldwin at Newberry Plaza informed me that he was the RA on the floor at U of I. And knew both of you. He asked me to send you his condolence.
Larry and Mary Lund

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Robin, our deepest sympathy to you and your daughters. I originally met Dan through Ed Lawrence and in starting the Friends of Downtown Chicago in the 1970's. Dan was passionate about developing Chicago's downtown and making downtown a place to not just work but live.

I had hoped to see Dan last year at the opening of the restored Warner Theater in downtown Erie, PA unfortunately a blizzard kept Dan away. The restored theater is just one of the many projects that Dan worked on that made significant impacts on their respective downtowns. Dan has left a wonderful legacy for Robin and their daughters.

Robin my sincere condolences, may his incredible contributions to our City and beyond live on forever. May be rest in peace and my you and your family be surrounded by love, care and compassion. Blessings, Jim Di Ciaula

I am surpised and saddened by the death of Dan.
He made very important contributions to the revival of Downtown Chicago theaters, as well aas many other projects. My condolences to Robin and his family.

Robin I was shocked to read of Dan´s death and can only think what a tragedy this is for you and your daughters. You are in my thoughts. Trinita

Dear Robin - I was very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope there is comfort in the over 40 years you shared together and that very good memories will sustain you.

Bruce Martin

Robin, Emily and Sarah: your husband/dad had a huge, huge heart. He will be missed by all those of us on whom he showed kindness and offered opportunity. Dan had an incredible drive to want to make things, and through doing so make things better. I am thankful for being able to know him as a mentor, collaborator and friend.

Dan and I knew each other from the old days.....we worked together in the early 1980's at Sisco Lubotsky Architects. After a few short years, Dan struck out on his own . I always admired him for having the courage...and foresight to take that chance. It was obviously a wise choice, as his venture matured into one of the most successful Chicago architecture firms. He will be missed. My sincere condolences .

Dan was a remarkable man that I had the pleasure to know and work with. His passion for his profession was evident in everything he did. My deepest condolences to Robin and the girls.

I knew Dan since our college days at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was one of the smartest people I knew. In 1999 - while Chair of the Governing Board of Cinema/Chicago, presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival - Dan invited me to join the Board, on which I served for 18 years. I´ll forever be grateful to Dan for giving me that opportunity. My condolences to Robin and his daughters.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Dan´s passing. But, he and his work will be remembered. For one, it took a large group of committed preservationists to save the Chicago Theater. But, it took just one stalwart overseer to translate those needs, ideas, and solutions into the building renovation:

o To find the engineer able to build a new structure inside the venerable Page Brothers Building so that it could be integrated with the Theater.
o To locate crystal fixtures in other vacant theaters to match the ones looted from the Chicago Theater´s walls.
o To add new sources of income (commercial) inside the Theater.
o And, with the Theater´s renewal, catch the attention of private investors willing to invest in it.

It is heartening to see the Chicago Theater continue to be a symbol of Chicago, particularly its Central Area. The photograph of its marquee appears, frequently, next to stories of the downtown's growth and vitality. Daniel P. Coffey was the stalwart individual who helped make that connection.

Margery al Chalabi

I will miss our friendship and collegiality. Neil Frankel, FAIA

So many in Erie, PA are deeply saddened to learn about Dan´s passing. Dan transformed our historic theater into a 21st century performing arts center. His vision and talent retained all the elements of our historic movie palace while incorporating new systems to accommodate any touring show. He was a brilliant architect and even a better person. I feel so fortunate to have known him. His legacy will live on in our community´s Warner Theatre. With deepest sympathy,
Casey Wells
Executive Director (retired)
Erie Events

So sorry to hear about Dan´s passing. He and I started our careers together at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and worked together over the years since. He was a talented architect and passionate about his work. He will be missed. Michael Tobin

Dear Robin: I am so sorry. Sending deep condolences on your loss. Jennifer