Worcester—Robert L. Coghlin, 73, of 724 Salisbury Street, died peacefully Tuesday, November 9, 2004, after an illness. He is survived by his wife, Dianne C. Coghlin; 2 daughters, Jane D. Hill of Worcester and Deborah Freeman of Austin, TX; 3 sons, Lyle Coghlin of Boston, Bert Slocum of Emporia, KS, and Robert Slocum of Canyon Lake, TX; a granddaughter, grandsons, and a great-grandson; nephews and nieces; grandnephews and grandnieces. He also leaves his 2 brothers, Fitzmaurice Coghlin, Jr., of Saugatuck, MI and Edgar W. Coghlin of Richardson, TX; and his cousin, Judith Erhardt of Lancaster, NY. Two sisters, Myrtle L. Coghlin Chambers and C. Frances Dolan predeceased him.
He was born in Shrewsbury, son of Fitzmaurice Coghlin, Sr. and Etta (Wood) Coghlin. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1949 and the University of Texas in Austin. He enjoyed his association at the Univ. of Texas participating in sports at Oak Grove. Following college, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany. Mr. Coghlin was an Area Director for several non-profit agencies including the American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsy, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Austin, TX and New York City. He was a manager for two local oil companies: CK Smith and Peterson Oil. Mr. Coghlin strongly enjoyed his church fellowship and service as an usher at Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 5-8 pm and on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. Following the Sunday calling hours, a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. After cremation, a private service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608.