John "Paul" Coogan's Obituary
John "Paul" Coogan passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 77, after a battle with cancer.
Paul was born on February 7, 1945, to Jack and Alice Coogan and was the younger brother of the late Mary Alice. Paul spent his childhood in East Rockaway and Long Beach, NY. After graduating from Xavier High School in NYC, he earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1966), followed by his law degree from Fordham University. Paul married Mary Elaine McArdle in 1973, and their son Jack was born in 1980. The family resided in Rockville Centre, New York, for 42 wonderful years.
Paul was an avid sports fan. He was a member of Hempstead Golf and Country Club (past president), and his love of golf took him on numerous golf trips, both domestic and abroad, including a few rounds at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. The New York Yankees, Paul's favorite baseball team, were regularly on TV, and he was quite proud of his baseball knowledge, often ready to test his friends with a trivia question. Paul was a New York Islanders season ticketholder and was in attendance for the Islander's first Stanley Cup win over the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980. Horse racing and gambling were also favorite pastimes.
His favorite pastime was cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on college football Saturdays. Most years, he and Jack would attempt to see at least one game in person – home or away. If he wasn't traveling to see them, he was fixed in front of the TV with a bowl of onion dip and a bag of potato chips.
Paul and Elaine retired to Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed golf, sunshine, and socializing with new and longtime friends within the Heritage Palms community.
Paul is survived by his son Jack, daughter-in-law Katie, grandchildren Paul and Molly, and his beloved dog, Lucy, who was by his side day and night.
Paul was exceedingly proud of his family and will be greatly missed by his son, grandchildren, family, and longtime friends. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023; at St. John XXIII Catholic Church at 1:30 PM EST. (Address: 13060 Palomino Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33912).
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