Longtime Harvard police officer, avid hiker, loved gardening and exploring nature
John Coates. (File photo)
John Joseph Coates, 66, of Hubbardston, died unexpectedly Saturday, May 31. John graduated from Belmont High School and immediately joined the U.S. Army. He served for three years. He became a military police officer, part of the criminal investigation division. He worked and went to college after serving in the army. He got his bachelor’s degree at UMass Boston in criminal justice and after working at UMass, became a police officer in Freeport, Maine. He then landed a position in Harvard, and he became the longest serving police officer for the town. He was a police officer for 29 years and a total of 33 years in law enforcement. He was an avid hiker and walker and enjoyed leading hikes in his hiking group. John had a great love of the outdoors and would often be found gardening, planting, or feeding the birds (which he would fondly call “candy with wings”). He loved action, thriller, and sci-fi shows and films, cooking a homemade spaghetti sauce, and reading books or watching videos pertaining to anything related to nature and hiking trails. He loved his family with his whole heart. He was their rock, go-to person, their provider, storyteller, prankster, and ray of light. John, Johnny, Dad, Sergeant C, will be greatly missed. His love and generosity will be remembered by all. John leaves behind his wonderful wife of 36 years, Marie (Flynn) Coates; his three children: son, Kevin Coates of Somerville; daughter, Kayla Coates and her fiancé Chad Charbonneau of Baldwinville; and son, Daniel Coates of Quincy. He also leaves behind his siblings: brother, Michael Coates and wife, Lauren Coates of Burlington; brother, Stevie Coates and wife Kathy Coates of Portsmouth, Maine; sister, Susie Sullivan and husband Patrick Sullivan of North Reading; and brother, Daniel Coates and wife Johanna Coates of Blairsville, Georgia; and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert (Buddy) Coates and Joan Coates of Belmont. Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A memorial service with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Harvard Police Department or plant a flower, tree, or bush in your garden in honor of his memory.
In memory of Sergeant John Coates
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of retired Sergeant John J. Coates, who served the Town of Harvard with honor and distinction for 29 years as a member of the Harvard Police Department. Sergeant Coates retired on February 24, 2017, after an incredible 33-year career in law enforcement.
(Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Sergeant Coates was a model of dedication, professionalism, and quiet leadership. Throughout nearly three decades in Harvard, he served our community with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. He was the longest-serving officer in the history of the department at the time of his retirement, a true testament to his service and character.
John was more than just a police officer; he was a mentor, a colleague, a friend, and someone who represented the very best of what it means to wear the badge. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.
Rest easy, Sergeant C. We have the watch from here.
Chief James Babu
Editor’s note: This tribute to Sgt. John Coates was posted on the Harvard Police Department’s Facebook page. Coates’ assigned cruiser for the latter years of his career has been draped in black and surrounded by flags in front of the Public Safety Building, 40 Ayer Road.
