Obituary of J. Walter Coughlan

The death of Rev. J.Walter Coughlan, of 14 King Square South, occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital, on Sunday August 28, 2005. Born in Saint John, he was the son of Walter Patrick and Catherine E.(McCart) Coughlan. Rev. Coughlan graduated from St. Joseph's University Suma Cum Laude in 1937 with a B.A., He then attended Holy Heart Seminary and was ordained as a Priest June 12, 1941. Proud of his Irish heritage he had traced his ancestors back to Cormac McArt King at Tara in the 2nd Century, First High King of Ireland. Rev. Coughlan loved sports, he played Baseball, Tennis, Hockey, Football and excelled at Curling. He had served in several parishes throughout his career starting at St. Anthony's Church in Devon from 1941-1943, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from 1943-1944, and was also the C.Y.O. Director at that time, The Our Lady of the Assumption Church from 1944-1948, The Saint John the Evangelist Church in Johnville from 1948-1951, the Holy Rosary Church in St. Stephen from 1951-1954, The Saint Bonaventure Church in Lakeville from 1954-1959, St. Alphonsus Church in Hampton from 1959-1960, The Saint Andrew's Church in Loggieville from 1960-1965, The Sacred Heart Church in Norton from 1965-1981, and was also the Treasurer of the Priest's Pension fund from 1970-1981. Rev. Coughlan retired Sept 8, 1981. After his retirement , he helped a number of Parishes in the Daytona Florida area, and Panama City Beach area and the past few years he helped out at St. Joachim's Church and St. Joseph's Church in East Saint John. He had been a 4th degree K.of C. since 1944. He is survived by several cousins including Rev. Arthur Alexander, of Saint John. Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo St. from where the funeral will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2005 at Saint John the Baptist Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A reception will be held in the basement of Saint John the Baptist Church following the funeral. Visiting on Tuesday 2 to4 and 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and Vespers will be held at Saint John the Baptist Church Wednesday evening at 7:00pm.