Thomas Webster Coughlin, Sr.

Thomas W. Coughlin, Sr., 90, of Cambridge passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his home. He was born in Cambridge on July 31, 1926 and was a son of the late Emory A. Coughlin and Lily Foxwell Coughlin.

He grew up in Crapo and graduated from Crapo High School class of 1943. One of thirteen students. Mr. Coughlin served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1944 to 1946 at the rank of Seaman 3rd Class. He served in China-Burma-India Theater and was a member of “SACO”, a covert (secret) group under Chinese Supervision. He graduated from University of Maryland College Park in 1951 with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Mechanical Engineering. From 1951 to 1952, he worked as engineer at Mutual Chemical Company in Baltimore. In 1952 to 2000, he was employed at Airpax beginning his career as a Mechanical Engineer, eventually working his way to General Manager in the Cambridge division and retired as Senior Vice President of Airpax (division of North American Phillips Corp).

On May 1, 1953, he married the former Doris Willey, who passed away on September 27, 1988. He later married the former Vera Hoffman on January 25, 1992, who passed away on January 21, 2015.

Mr. Coughlin was kind hearted and whose generosity will be missed by all. He was dedicated to his family, friends and the community.

He was a life member of the Cambridge Lions Club and has been a Lion since 1958. Tom was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees, board of directors of Dorchester United Fund, president of board of directors of Dorchester General Hospital, member of Maryland State Chamber of Commerce, member of advisory board of Maryland National Bank, member of board of directors of Maryland Blue Cross, board member and director of Salvation Army in Cambridge, board member and treasurer of Pleasant Day Adult Day Care Center and director of 1776 Committee Celebration.

He is survived by his daughters Sheila (Shelly) Ernest and husband Brad of Annapolis, Sandra Johnson of Cambridge, a son Thomas W. Coughlin, Jr. and wife Cathy of East New Market, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two step daughters Carol Ann Coulbourn of Cambridge, and Connie Brooks and husband Kemp of Cambridge, five step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren, a nephew Michael D. Coughlin (Gretchen) of New Hampshire, and a niece Mary Beth Adams. He is also survived by his beloved caregiver Donna Willey of Cambridge. Besides his parents and his wives, Mr. Coughlin is preceded in death by two brothers Emory Coughlin and James T. Coughlin and a sister Alois Matthew.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 1 pm at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. with Pastor Joel Beiler officiating. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Coastal Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.