Michael J. Coughlin

Michael J. Coughlin, prominent Fall River Funeral Director, age 76 of Fredericksburg, VA, formerly of Fall River, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Marilyn D. (Redmond) Coughlin, to whom he had been married for 51 years.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late John J. Coughlin and Lillian A. (Stratton), he lived in Fall River most of his life, attended Msgr. Coyle High School in Taunton, graduated BMC Durfee High School and the former New England Institute of Funeral Service in Boston.

A Licensed Funeral Director for over 50 years, he and his father established the John J. Coughlin Funeral Home in 1956 which they owned and operated until joining the Waring-Ashton Firm in 1980 where he remained working until his retirement.

Mr. Coughlin was a member of the Fall River and on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Associations. Michael was a member of the Fall River Lodge of Elks, Corky Row Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagle, Clover Club and the Fall River Racing Pigeon Club.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 51 years are: a daughter: Elizabeth “Beth” C. Merriman and her husband Scott of Fredericksburg, VA: two sons: Atty. John J. Coughlin and wife Diane of Fall River, Joseph M. Coughlin and wife Krissy of Bridgewater; two sisters: Kathleen A. Pflock and husband Peter, of Tiverton, and Maureen C. Zangwill and husband Irving of Fall River; two brother in-laws William Desmond of Frederick, MD and Joseph Redmond and his wife Laura of Fall River; six grandchildren Nicholas Coughlin, Caroline Merriman, Matthew Coughlin, Ryan Coughlin, Kate Coughlin and Daniel Merriman and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Coughlin was also the brother of the late Sheila M. Desmond.

We will remember Dad as the kindest man we knew. He adored Mom and his family and we adored him. His proudest title was that of Grandpa and his bright blue eyes and beautiful smile never sparkled more than when the grandkids were around. We are happy he is at peace. We would like to express special thanks to Catherine, Amira, Thelma and Henrica for their loving care of Dad and us.

His Funeral will be held on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 9am from the Waring – Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St. Fall River with a Funeral Mass at 10am in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St. Fall River. Visiting hours Sunday from 4 to 8pm. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made online to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or by mail to The Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.