Edward M. Coughlin Jr

NEWPORT, RI - Edward M. Coughlin, Jr., 79, of Newport, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Heatherwood Nursing Center in Newport, RI, after a year of declining health. Born in Newport, RI on November 29, 1934, he was the only child to the late Edward M. Coughlin Sr. and Catherine (Mockler) Coughlin of Newport. He was the Grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Coughlin and the late Thomas and Ellen (Bowler) Mockler all formally of Newport. He is survived by four children and many lifelong friends. As a third generation Newporter, Ed was a proud Newporter in every sense of the word. Ed was educated in Newport; he went onto work for the City of Newport in the Water Department as a meter reader for over 36 years, until retiring at the age of 58. He was admired and respected by his fellow employees. He was active in the AFSCME Retirees, AFL-CIO, Chapter 94 and the Union Local 911. For many years he was also involved in the Friends of the Waterfront, and the Edward King House Senior Center. Ed lived in Newport most of his life, until moving to Sunny Acres Mobile Park in Portsmouth in 2007. He continued being a Newporter driving daily to the City by the sea. He was known as a huge Newport History and neighborhood buff, growing up and living on Friendship Street and Kay Street area for 70 years. He touched the lives of everyone he met in some way, and will forever be remembered for his kindness and generosity, being soft spoken, and wit.Ed was a devoted catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Church. He rarely missed Mass, until last year as he was unable to walk. His favorite places where he could be found daily were Battery Park, The Edward King House, Newport Creamery, McDonalds and the Ocean Drive. He will be remembered as he was. Sitting down, pipe in hand telling jokes and enjoying people and his life in Newport. Rest in Peace, Our friend Ed.A memorial mass will be held May 13, 2014 at 10:00AM in St. Josephs Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph's Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Broadway, Newport, RI 02840. Service MAY 13. 10:00 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US