Gary D. Coughlin

Gary D. Coughlin, age 78, of Evesham Twp., Burlington County, NJ, passed away after a lengthy illness on October 26, 2021. Born in Perth Amboy, NJ on May 24, 1943, to the late Walter J. and Ruth (nee Kaney), Gary was raised in Colonia, NJ. He graduated from Woodbridge High School Class of 1962, and received his Bachelor of Arts (major Psychology, double minor History, Sociology) from Transylvania College, Lexington, KY, class of 1966. A member of MENSA, Gary worked in several occupations, including teaching (Burlington Twp., NJ), Sales (Auto and Beer) before finding the occupation in which he would put his mark and make a positive difference in lives of so many. He organized a beer distributorship in Hainesport, NJ for the Teamsters Union Local 35 of Hightstown, NJ. Soon after, he was asked to lead Local 134 of Trenton, NJ, as the Secretary-Treasurer, CEO, at a time when manufacturing jobs were leaving the area. His intellect and abilities resulted in fair contracts and respect from the people he represented and officers in the corporations with whom he negotiated. The Local 134 Pension Fund, managed/invested by Gary showed positive dividends and excellent returns for the members. As Trenton continued to change, and companies moved out of the area, Gary merged his local with Teamsters Local 125 of Little Falls, NJ, resulting in maintaining a strong union to represent his members, white strengthening Local 125. He served in the position of Vice President, retiring in 1996. After, retirement, Gary was a board member, Instructor, and student of the L.I.F.E (Learning is for everyone) program at Burlington County College. A strong advocate of the program to provide learning and social opportunities for county residents over 55 years old, Gary taught and/or volunteered for numerous topics, including the ongoing trivia class and assistance with Medicare decisions. In addition to his lifetime efforts to enhance the lives of others, Gary was a husband (Patricia Costello 1964-1970 and Linda Corigliano Price 1977-2006) and a loving father to Timothy Patrick (wife Holly), Craig Joseph (wife Michelle) and Dawn Cherish Price (husband Michael Eppolito). He was predeceased by his infant daughter Kaney Elizabeth. His grandchildren unquestionably changed his life as he doted on them as much as possible, staying involved in, and part of, their lives: Nicole, Stephanie (Dylan), and Joshua Eppolito, Shannon, Madeline, Lane, and Sloane Coughlin. Gary will be greatly missed by all left behind. The poet laureate of 2 Begonia Ct., Marlton, NJ, he, and many of his family agree, was probably the greatest man who ever lived. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the animal shelter or rescue of the donor’s choice.