HUDSON FALLS – Douglas Coughlin, 89, of Notre Dame St., passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
Born on March 28, 1933, in AuSable Forks, he was the son of the late David and Connie (Hall) Coughlin. He was one of six children and eventually moved to Worcester, MA, where Doug attended school from 1st grade to 7th grade. He did so well in school that he was allowed to leave early in the day, so he could help family finances by selling newspapers.
His mother died when he was a teenager and his father remarried Helen Torrance. Doug chose to live with his grandparents in AuSable Forks and his siblings went to live with their dad and his new wife. Two weeks after graduating from AuSable High School, he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was 17 at the time and stationed in England, traveling to France, Germany, Italy and Venice.
After his military service, his old high school coach and mentor, Coach Hoy, encouraged him to go into education in Plattsburgh. He told him he would be picking him up at 8 in the next morning and that was how the decision was made! As Doug always said, “If it hadn’t been for Coach Hoy, I’d probably be a bum today!” Upon graduation from Plattsburgh, he continued his education by getting his master’s degree from Siena College.
Doug started his teaching career in Hudson Falls as a 5th grade teacher in 1956. Two years later, he became a 6th grade teacher and then reading teacher. His former principal assigned him to be the principal of Dix Ave. School. Doug worked for 31 years before retirement. During this time, he was Assistant Superintendent to Dr. John Zeis, former Hudson Falls Superintendent. Dr. Zeis said of Doug that he was always child orientated, staying extra hours after school to help students. This included keeping score during basketball games. He loved his job and said, “I have never come to work not looking forward to seeing the kids. They have been the best part of my years with the school.”
After retirement in 1993, Doug continued his enjoyment of community minded activities. He joined the Elks Lodge # 81 where he helped with Christmas activities for less fortunate families, became Chaplain President and Executor Committee Member of Section II and Chairman for Housing and Transportation, Drum and Bugle Housing Chairman and President of Northeastern Harness Horseman. He loved all sports, especially the horses! He also enjoyed bowling with some of his Dix Ave. teachers.
Doug’s greatest contributions are those he had made for the kids. He was truly a Robin Hood of his time, who always sought out the faceless and the downtrodden in the crowd and worked to make their lives better. His personal hands on approach has touched the lives of children, parents and community.
His grandson, John expressed his sentiments by the following words, “I would like to think his bad heart was due to his willingness to give. He gave so much to underprivileged children.”
Besides his parents, Doug was predeceased by his children, Connie Coughlin, Linda O’Hara, and his son in law, Michael O’Hara, his siblings, Nancy Carte, Tom Coughlin, Betty Coughlin, Alice Plumadore and David Gilbo.
Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara Coughlin of Hudson Falls; his two grandsons, John O’Hara and his wife, Jenny of Hartford, Ricky Ficarrotta and his fiancé, Moira Nolan; his great grandchildren, Camden O’Hara, Fiona Ficarrotta and Freya Ficarrotta; his stepchildren, Julie and Greg, as well as several great grand stepchildren.
Friends may call Monday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the funeral home.
A graveside service will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, at 12:30 p.m., with full military honors.
All are welcome to a gathering following the graveside service at Glen Falls Elk Lodge #81, 32 Cronin Rd., in Queensbury.
Memorial donations in memory of Doug may be made to Haynes House of Hope, 7187 State Route 149, Granville, NY 12832, Tiger Tracker Booster Club, 80 East LaBarge St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839
My sincere condolences to the family he was the principal at Dix Avenue where I attended grade school he was wonderful to all kids always had a smile on his face Rest In Peace I will always remember how nice you were to All .
I am writing on behalf of my mom, Marilyn Irvine, who was the health aide at Dix Ave. school for many years. Mom began working for HFSD at Maple St. School in the cafeteria. When the position of health aide at Dix Avenue opened she was encouraged to apply. She was a little nervous. I guess Mr. C. was an imposing figure, I don’t know. I don’t remember when she began at Dix Ave. but she retired in 2000 at the age of 71. She had many fond memories of the students (her Dix Ave. Dandies), staff (although she had her favorites and I’m guessing you know who you are) and of Mr. Coughlin. She quickly got over her nervousness and always spoke highly of him. We need more school personnel like Doug Coughlin in schools around our country today. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincere and deepest condolences to the entire family. Wishing you all strength and comfort through this difficult time.
Barb, We were so sad to see this. What a wonderful man and friend to our family. Keeping you and the family in our prayers. Much love,Gail and Peter Luciano
Mr. Dix Dandy! He was a great principle. My Condolences to the family. He used to compete with me shooting foul shots after he let us use the Dix Avenue gym. Loser bought sodas. Somehow, I always won. A few years back I was bringing my boys to a Elks foul shooting contest at GF High and Doug was collecting tickets. First thing he said to me was lets you and I go shoot foul shots and I hadn’t seen him in years. My son, Jacob won that day to move onto a regional. God Bless Mr. Coughlin.
I’m thankful for Doug for all that he did for me in my teaching career.RIP Doug🙏💕
A good man who was always there for his family. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I always had great respect for him and his dedication to the kids of Hudson Falls and their well being as his chief concern. his devotion to them and the district made him respected leader in the District and Community. He was tough and followed his beliefs. But, willing to give people a second chance. Condolences to the whole family.
Barb and family: I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
There is so much I could say about this wonderful man, but I’ll share just one story.
I attended kindergarten at Maple St School and then transferred to Dix Ave School for 1st grade in 1964. I was a shy child and very intimidated by the new school and all the new kids, none of whom I knew.
On the first day of school, I was sitting all by myself (of course) in the cafeteria for lunch and I knocked my thermos off the table and onto the floor, breaking it and spilling milk everywhere. Needless to say, I was beside myself.
That’s when the principal of my new school, a smartly dressed fellow I’d never even seen before, much less met, walked up and asked me with a smile if I’d like some help. I’ve never forgotten how I felt at that moment and how much his kind attention meant to me.
A year or two ago, I called him because I wanted to thank him for everything he’d done for me. We hadn’t spoken in well over fifty years. When he answered the phone, I told him my name and asked if he remembered me, and he instantly exclaimed “Of course I do! You spilled your milk on your first day at school and I helped you clean it up!” Then we had a wonderful, spontaneous conversation as two adult men.
What more can I possibly say about this guy? He was the master of small caring gestures that made all the difference in the world and made every child feel important.
Deepest condolences to everyone who loved him.