Donald T. Coughlin of West Milford, formerly of Mahwah, peacefully passed away at home on Sept. 22, 2014 with his wife and daughters nearby. He was 78.
Don was born on Sept. 11, 1936 in Hoboken, to the late Thomas and Gertrude (Gibson) Coughlin. Don graduated from Ramsey High School, Indiana University and the New Jersey Police Academy, later serving his community as a police officer in Mahwah. He retired Lieutenant Officer after 25 years of civil service.
In his youth he was a well recognized competitive swimmer, which later led to a 40-year second profession as a leading New Jersey state swim coach.
Surviving are his wife, Judy, nee Pelz, daughters Connie Riebenfeld of Ringwood, Bonnie Bishof and her husband Larry of Parsippany, and Christine Giampavolo and her husband Paul of Sparta, and his beloved grandchildren, Sabina and Sammantha Riebenfeld, Delaney Bishof and Cosmo Giampavolo.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m., with a memorial service at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in honor of Donald’s civil service to the Mahwah Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 143, 115 Franklin Turnpike, #140, Mahwah, NJ 07430 or online at www.mahwahpba143.com.