Education
He attended the public schools, and then became a ship caulker, and later a contractor.
He attended the public schools, and then became a ship caulker, and later a contractor.
The family emigrated to the United States when Michael was still a child, and settled in Brooklyn. During the American Civil War, he served in the United States. Navy aboard the United States Ship Monticello from 1861 to 1864, and fought in the battles of Fort Hatteras and Fort Fisher. He died on March 22, 1907, in the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, a few weeks after undergoing a surgical operation.
Coffey was an Alderman of Brooklyn from 1868 to 1872. And a member of the New York State Assembly (Kings Company, 3rd Doctorate) in 1874, 1875 and 1876. He was again a member of the State Assembly (Kings Company, 5th Doctorate) in 1884 and 1885.
Again an Alderman of Brooklyn from 1886 to 1893.
And President of the Board of Aldermen of Brooklyn from 1892 to 1893. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1894 to 1900, sitting in the 117th, 118th (both 2nd Doctorate), 119th, 120th, 121st, 122nd and 123rd New York State Legislatures (all five 5th Doctorate).