Frederick Anthony Coughlan

Frederick Anthony Coughlan passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, November 20, 2023, two days before his 94^th birthday. He was the devoted husband of the late Margaret (Duggan) Coughlan for 48 years until her passing in 2003.

Fred was born in Waterbury, CT on November 22, 1929, the only child of Frederick and Irene (Sullivan) Coughlan. He graduated from Crosby High School, Class of 1947, and went on to graduate from Teachers College of Connecticut (now CCSU), Class of 1951. After college he and Peg married and moved to Maryland where he served in the Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge he returned to Connecticut where he taught math and coached basketball at Cheshire High School, continuing his education and earning his Master’s degree and 6^th and 7^th year teaching certificates. Fred was active in the community, establishing the Saturday Morning Basketball program and coaching little league baseball where he also served as president. After retiring, Fred and two buddies formed the Three Brushes and painted house interiors for older adults in the community. He volunteered at the Cheshire Community Food Pantry for many years and earned Volunteer of the Year. This past May, Fred was honored to be named Co-Grand Marshal in the Cheshire Memorial Day Parade. He was a faithful communicant of St. Bridget’s Church and attended daily mass for many years, always followed by coffee and conversation at the coffee shop around the corner. He was also active in the Cheshire and Prospect Senior Centers and a long-time member of the Southington Elks Club.

He had the good fortune of being set up to sit next to Pat Helm on a Prospect Senior Citizen bus trip and they spent the last 15 years keeping busier than people half their age, traveling, attending concerts and shows and dancing the night away whenever possible.

Fred leaves behind his children Mary Basile and his son-in-law Barry of North Granby, and Tony Coughlan of Southport. He delighted in following the lives of his grandchildren Lauren Basile and her fiancé Drew Nash of Golden, CO, Sarah (Basile) and Christopher Phelan of West Hartford, Eric Basile of Boston, MA and Tyler Coughlan of Southport. He also leaves his great granddaughter Madeline Phelan who brought him immense joy.

Fred loved the company of his family and friends, UConn Women’s basketball, and a hot dog well grilled. He read every word of the Waterbury Republican American every day.

He frequently reminded us that his life was so blessed. For the past five years he was lovingly cared for by Luz Castano whom he called his angel. She enabled him to live his best life every day and for that we are eternally grateful.

Arrangements - Visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish/St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT. Burial will follow at New Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterbury, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Fred’s name can be made to the Cheshire Community Food Pantry or Saint Bridget Catholic School.  To leave online condolences for his family or to share a story of Fred, please visit www.fordfh.com

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