Obituary: Richard "Dick" Coghlan - Class of 1961

NAPLES, FLA. - Richard "Dick" Coghlan, age 62, of Naples, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, after battling lymphoma. He was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Madison, to the late Ruby and John Coghlan. Dick graduated Central High School in Madison and worked for the Badger Cab Company, there as a mechanic. After he graduated from the Wisconsin School of Electronics he worked for Western Electric in Chicago. Dick and his family moved back to Madison, where he worked for General Telephone Company (GTE) for 30 years until his retirement in 1999. He and his wife, Marsha, moved to Naples to do some golfing. He also worked part time at Arrowhead Golf Course. In 1987, Dick had a heart transplant and in 1988, a kidney transplant. He was always very grateful to his donors for their generous "Gift of Life." Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Coghlan. Dick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marsha; three children, Cori Shambaugh (Troy) of Greenfield, Ind., John Coghlan (Jennifer) of Carmel, Ind. and Todd Coghlan of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; and three grandchildren (whom he adored), Luke and Abigail Shambaugh and Conner Coghlan. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Debbie Brown (Roger) of Fitchburg; an aunt, Alvira Sutcliffe of Black Earth; and many cousins and friends. Dick will be buried at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes everyone would consider becoming organ donors. Dick had 19 extra years of life because of his two donors. Fuller Funeral Home Pine Ridge Road (239) 592-1611

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 29, 2006

Note: Richard Coghlan's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, which includes his senior class photo.