It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John David Coughlan of Durham, NH. Known affectionately to all as Jack, he passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 after a brief illness. Jack died peacefully with his much loved daughters by his side.
Beloved husband and best friend of the late Patricia Ann Coughlan (nee Boyle). Jack will be lovingly remembered by his children Tracy, Karen (Peter) and Stephanie (Dan), as well as his cherished grandchildren Otis, Henry, Kate, Sarah, Daniel, Cecilia and Margot, who brought him great joy. Jack was recently predeceased by his son Andy.
Jack was an uncle, cousin and friend to many who will miss his ever present joie de vivre and witty repartee!
Jack was born in Everett, Massachusetts on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933 to John Daniel Coughlan Jr. and Helen Irene Gallager. Jack was predeceased by his sister, Helen Claire Coughlan Eldridge.
Born into an academic family, with his father building a career as a school superintendent and then a state commissioner, Jack moved around quite a bit. The moves and years in Everett, Canton and Marlborough and then Melrose, Massachusetts honed his ability to start up conversations, meet new people and flex his world-class vocabulary. After graduating from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1955, Jack went on to work in education and serve in the Army Reserves. Seeking to further his career, he then received a Masters in Education from Boston University in 1965.
One fateful encounter with a family friend Labor Day weekend in 1961 changed the course of everything; Jack was introduced to her nursing classmate, Patricia, and the rest is history. That chance meeting lasted hours as Jack did not want to leave. Less than four weeks later the two were engaged. They married in November in 1962 and their partnership lasted 56 years. He was by her side as she ultimately lost a battle to cancer in 2018.
Jack worked in public education as a school counselor until 1970 and then moved into a sales position for companies such as Harcourt Brace and Addison Wesley. As someone who thrived on conversation and meeting new people, Jack thrived in the role, traveling to schools all over the Northeast.
In 2005, after 34 years in Cheshire, CT where they happily raised their family and made many wonderful and enduring friendships, they retired to Cape Cod’s Dennis MA. Jack enjoyed the social community he found there, made many friends, became active in the local men’s club, enjoyed playing pool with buddies and also took a job at The Osterville Bridge where he was a bridge operator for years.
Jack was a world class conversationalist who thoroughly enjoyed talking with people, making connections and reminiscing. He was a fan of nicknames, jokes and general silliness - especially with his grandchildren and nieces/nephews. He loved being a Grandpa and enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their various endeavors. He played basketball as a youth and the love of the game continued as an avid Providence College fan and all-around follower of the game. He and Pat loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to Yellowstone, Hawaii, Spain, England and Aruba to name a few! Jack could always be counted on to have a camera around his neck (that may or may not be working) and to strike up a conversation with a local or a fellow traveler.
We will always carry your memory in our hearts!
A visitation for Jack is planned for Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 12-2 pm. The visitation will be at the Doane, Beal and Ames Funeral Home in South Dennis, MA.
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