Patrick Allen Coble

Patrick Allen Coble

Patrick Allen Coble, age 72, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023.  Patrick was born on Tuesday, March 27, 1951, in Mechanicsburg to the late Richard M. Coble and Patricia J. (Shepler) Coble.  In addition to his parents, Patrick is preceded in death by his brother, Richard E. Coble

Patrick’s survivors include his wife of 47 years, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” (Collins) Coble; his daughter, Diana Coble of Harrisburg; his son, Jesse Coble and his wife, Jacqueline, of Dillsburg; his three grandchildren: Leo Coble, Pamela Coble and Tierney Nye; his great-grandson, Kyler Nye; his brother, David Lee Coble and his wife, Carolyn, of Polson, MT; his sister in-law, Christine Coble of Tallahassee, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Mechanicsburg, Patrick was a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School where he excelled in athletics and academics.  He attended Hofstra University in New York.  

Starting work with the Penn Central Railroad in 1974, Patrick continued working for the railroad for 37 years through its restructuring as ConRail and finally, as part of Norfolk Southern Corporation.  During his employment he served as President and Chairman of SEIU/NCFO Local 1215.  He retired from Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2011.

Patrick’s favorite activities always involved his family and friends.  He had a kind heart, a quick smile and was always ready to offer a helping hand.

A longtime member of Trindle Springs Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, Patrick attended church there as a child, was married there, and during his own children’s youth enjoyed teaching the youth group.

He loved the outdoors whether he was camping, hunting, fishing, gardening or playing with his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  He was quite talented as an amateur contractor and enjoyed home improvement projects.

All are welcome to join Patrick’s family at his celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory).  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Cremation was private.

While Patrick’s family will not be accepting flowers, they invite those wishing to celebrate Patrick’s life with a memorial contribution to make them to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, C/O Development, 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg PA 17109, www.CentralPAFoodBank.org/Give-Now; WITF, 4801 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, https://donate.witf.org/witf/tribute; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123, www.Cancer.org/Involved/Donate.html. 

Patrick’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.