'Chicago Sun-Times' Editor, Columnist Coffey Dies at 79

Posted Monday, October 6, 2008 12:00 am

By: Raymond Coffey, a former Chicago Sun-Times columnist, has died in Arizona at age 79.

His daughter Brigid Zachar says Coffey died Friday in Tucson of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Coffey, a native of Racine, Wis., was an editor and columnist at the Sun-Times from 1987 to 1999. He was also a managing editor and editorial-page editor.

He began his career in 1953 and worked with the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Tribune before working at the Sun-Times.

Sun-Times columnist Steve Huntley said Coffey brought a keen insight to his journalism with intelligence and fairness.

Coffey is survived by his wife, six children and 12 grandchildren.

Private services are planned.

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'Chicago Sun-Times' Editor, Columnist Coffey Dies at 79

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