Randall Trevor Coffman, captain extraordinaire
Capt. Randy “Poppa” Coffman, 55, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Fla., from a car accident. His loving family and chocolate lab, Diesel, were by his side.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Susan Ann Coffman; twins Lily and Hunter Coffman; his parents, Peg and Dan Coffman; and his elder brother, Bill and his wife Natalya Coffman. His memory also lives on by his niece, Morgan Clancy; and nephews, Aidan and Danny Clancy, Jonathan Kline, Conner Bollinger, and Andrew and Matthew Coffman.
Randy was born in Virginia July 9, 1969, moving to Lewes two years later, where he spent his childhood. Lewes is where he fostered his love of fishing. Growing up, he spent most of his time working on charter boats, slowly building a name for himself. After graduating from Cape Henlopen High School, he went on to graduate from UD, where he made a boatload of friends and finished with a bachelor’s degree.
After college, he decided to feed his travel bug and go on to see the world. Backpacking through Europe and Africa was his first plan of action. In the process, he had many incredible adventures, touring Europe, visiting Egypt and Petra, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and even hanging out with the silverback gorillas in the Rwenzori Mountains of Africa. His travels constantly being interrupted by sport fishing trips. Soon after, he journeyed through the national parks across the U.S. with his future wife, Susan. All while doing what he truly loved, catching thousands of billfish all around the world.
After years of travel, he pursued the love of his life, Susan; they relocated to Florida, got married, and then purchased the charter boat, Miss Pass A Grille, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy in Capt. Randy’s name. Capt. Randy always used the boat for good whenever he could, whether it was for his monthly orphan fishing trips, volunteer trips honoring those who had passed, or his veteran's fishing trips. Without fail, he did whatever it took to ensure that his customers were having fun and catching fish. He honestly believed in helping those who were less fortunate, most especially the orphans and the homeless.
Capt. Randy loved meeting new people and always had a way of turning a frown upside down.
Randy was a son, brother, father, husband, uncle, captain extraordinaire, and friend to all. He loved life and lived every day to the fullest. We are blessed to have known him.
Family and friends are welcome to join in Randy’s Celebration of Life at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, support local orphans or donate to Saint Vincent de Paul Cares, 384 15th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
