Obituary of Joseph Brooke Coates, III

Joseph Brooke Coates, III, 56, of Marshall Street, Putnam, died Thursday at the Westview Health Center after an illness. He was the beloved husband of Marie (Bedard) Coates. He was born July 28, 1948 in Providence, son of Germaine (Perry) Coates of Warwick, RI and the late Joseph B. Coates, II.

He was employed as a machinist at Kochek Company in Eastford. He has made his home in Putnam for over fifteen years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the U S Navy. He was an avid reader and enjoyed his job.

He leaves in addition to his wife and mother- a son Joseph McKenzie and a daughter Asta Hernandez both of Bakersfield, CA; four stepsons- Michael Grassini of Putnam; Steven Grassini and his wife Ruth of Thompson; Scott Grassini of Thompson; Fred Decoster of Brooklyn; two step daughters Elizabeth Ponzi and her husband Joseph of Danielson; Michelle Smith and her husband Bruce of Pomfret; one brother; four sisters; five grand children and three step grandchildren Bruce, Tyler and David.

Funeral services will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to the Westview Health Center, P O Box 428, Dayville, CT 06241. Arrangements by Smith & Walker Funeral Home, Putnam, CT.