John Peter Coughlin Jr., 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on May 11, 2016.
He is survived by his sister Dot Waugh of Marlbourgh, Mass.; his two sons, John Peter Coughlin III of Vero Beach, and James Patrick Coughlin (Patricia D. Coughlin) of Hobe Sound; his grandchildren Sean Michael Coughlin (Kimberly Coughlin), Ryan James Coughlin, Craig Patrick Coughlin (Elizabeth Coughlin), Kristie Devine DiGioia (Nicholas DiGioia), Kailey Patricia Coughlin, and Kelly Kathleen Coughlin. He also had three great-grandchildren: Hunter Jameson DiGioia, Brody James DiGioia, and Olive Madison Coughlin.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Coughlin, son Michael Rover Coughlin, and three siblings, Bobby, William and Gloria.
Coughlin was born in Marlborough, Mass., on March 5, 1927. His parents were Eva Coughlin and John Coughlin, and he was one of five children. He was a graduate from Hudson High School and later continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass.
He married Eleanor Coughlin on Oct. 1, 1950. They went on to have three boys and enjoyed a beautiful life together. They were happily married for 57 years. She preceded his death nine years ago, and now they are cruising the world together again.
Coughlin served in the military in the United States Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S Roosevelt a naval aircraft carrier. He was a gunner during WWII. He then went on to be a construction project manager and throughout his career worked from Vermont to Florida, including Panama and the Virgin Islands.
He was an active parishioner at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach. He was a Choir Member, Nocturnal Adoration participate, and a member the Knights of Columbus (a Grand Night for several years). Last, but not least, he was a SINGER; he was a member of a 4-man quartet with the Barber Shop in Vero Beach. Singing was his passion and he loved sharing his talent with others, including his family, friends, and strangers. He could SING…..go POPS!
We will forever remember him as our little leprechaun as the Irish Blessing was his favorite song/poem.
May the road rise to meet you
May the winds be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.