John T. Coughlin

John Thomas Coughlin, known to many as Jack, loving husband, father, pop-pop, Scoutmaster, volunteer and general board member at large, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 12, 2021. A man of cheerful service who liked to joke "just one hour a week" while volunteering for activities that served the community through Scouting, John was well known across the Cradle of Liberty Council. Serving as a Scoutmaster, committee member, district committee member, and eventually at a council level, John helped to share the joy of Scouting with many people. Through his reverence for nature and improvement of life skills that Scouting encouraged, he ran camping trips and workshops, sat on boards of review, and encouraged and supported many in attaining their Eagle rank. His devotion to others was recognized with a Silver Beaver, an award meant to recognize Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service. While John was camping, you would often find him tending the fire, cooking, and swapping funny stories or life advice with anyone who sat down. Up early, his favorite coffee pot nestled firmly near the coals or a stove, he was always the first to greet you with that overly enthusiastic sense of delight in meeting a new day that seemed to offend younger generations, but would almost invariably be passed along to the same. John was also a member of the Philadelphia Swimming Club, serving as Captain for several years, and as a board member for several more. Much like scouting, he could often be found cooking, this time at the grill, whipping up his well renowned "daddy burgers." Extremely fond of the water, he encouraged his sons to take up swimming, which they did gleefully. John spent many hours down in Miquon on the Schuylkill, watching over his family as they swam, with WOGL on in the background and often a book in his hand until the sun went down. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Geraldine, whom he loved very dearly, enjoying camping, volunteering, and sitting on the porch together. He is also survived by three sons, and two grandchildren: Timothy, married to Colleen Mooney; Joseph, married to Jacqueline Coughlin with two children Maverick and Hadley; and Jeremy. They will miss his gentle wisdom, good advice, and his insistence on family dinners, a cornerstone of the Coughlin family. John touched many lives through his kindness and outreach, and much like the saying goes, left the world a better place than he found it. He will be sorely missed. He is preceded by his son John Coughlin Jr., and his parents Joseph and Sarah Coughlin. John will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre during a private ceremony, and a celebration of his life will follow at the Fort Washington Flourtown Day Area. Details for the latter can be provided by reaching out directly to the family via email JosephPCoughlin@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to: Cradle of Liberty Council Attn: Jack Coughlin Memorial 1485 Valley Forge Rd. Wayne PA 19087 https://colbsa.org/donate/ Funds will support Camperships for underprivileged youth.