File photo/Joyce Maranto, Maranto Studios
Shrewsbury – Edwin B. “Ted” Coghlin, Jr., 79, noted businessman, community leader and philanthropist died Dec. 10 after a fall at his home.
Coghlin was born, raised and educated in Worcester and graduated from Classical High School and then Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1956. For many years he ran the family business, Coghlin Construction Services and Coghlin Electrical before turning it over to his daughter Susan Mailman.
Throughout his life Coghlin gave back to his community in many ways, contributing time and monies to the Worcester Ecotarium, Worcester Engineering Society, Young Businessman’s Club, WPI, Anna Maria College, Worcester Urban Renewal CPC, Massachusetts Electrical Code, Bishop’s Fund, United Way, the town of Shrewsbury, and Central MA Regional Employment Board, as well as many youth activities, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Little League. He also served as a director of the Boys & Girls Club.
Coghlin received multiple honors from businesses, as well as youth organizations. He has been recognized by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the town of Shrewsbury, WPI, The Boys & Girls Club, the Boy Scouts and the Massachusetts Vocational Teachers.
He was also a passionate supporter of local vocational education, often crediting vocational school alumni for the success of his family’s business. He also served as chair of Worcester Technical High School’s 300-member advisory boards, where he worked closely with administration and faculty to ensure that students benefit from the latest technology and teaching so they are provided with a state-of-the-art education.
In 2012 Coghlin was honored by Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services with the Harry S. Cutting, Jr. Award for his many philanthropic contributions to his community.
“It is with the utmost respect and humility that we honor Mr. Coghlin with our Harry S. Cutting Jr. Award,” Jeff Chin, the former SYFS executive director said at the time. “Mr. Coghlin truly embodies the spirit and soul of this award, as he has dedicated his life to improving the lives of future generations. Whether it was in his role as builder, as a father, a compassionate resident of Shrewsbury, or as a friend, he always sought to improve the conditions of those in need by doing everything in his power to help.”
Coghlin and his wife, Maureen, raised their four children in Shrewsbury. They have five grandchildren.
Calling hours are Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 from 1-5 p.m. at St. John’s High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday Dec. 15, 2014 at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Skyline Technical Fund c/o WTHS, 1 Skyline Dr., Worcester, Ma., 01605 or to Mohegan Council Boys Scouts of America, Attn: The Ted Coghlin Fund, 19 Harvard St., Worcester, Ma., 0
