Council of trustees chairman remembered as proactive, hard worker

Shippensburg native and Shippensburg University Council of Trustees Chairman Jeff Coy died June 4.

Coy graduated from Shippensburg Area Senior High School in 1969 and from SU in 1973 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government Administration. He also received an honorary Doctorate in Public Service and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from SU.

Coy spent most of his career in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, serving 11 terms for the 89th district. Following his career in the House, Coy was appointed as a commissioner on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board from 2004 to 2010.

Coy was a member of the SU Council of Trustees from 1975 to 1982, in addition to his current term that began in July 2017. When he began his second tenure as a member of the SU Council of Trustees, Coy shared his excitement about working with newly-appointed President Laurie Carter.

In a statement sent to the SU community President Carter said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Jeffrey Coy, chairman of the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees. Chairman Coy provided distinguished leadership at a pivotal moment in the history of our university. Chairman Coy was one of our most distinguished alumni and one of the strongest supporters of Shippensburg University. His service and contributions to the campus and community shall live on and we are forever indebted to him.”

In an interview to Pennlive, vice chair Michael Ross spoke highly of Coy.

"When he was convinced a project was worthy of support, he had the ability to have access. His role in the legislature gave him access to key decision makers and policy makers,” Ross said.

Coy was active in the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg Scottish Rite Club, Shippensburg Memorial Lutheran Church and West End Fire and Rescue, among other clubs and organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jo Anne Rasmussen Coy, as well as a brother, three nephews and numerous cousins. A funeral service was held for him on June 11.