Hudson – David B. Coggins, 53, was stricken ill and died suddenly on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at his home. He was the son of the late Roger P. Coggins and Helen O. (Wagner) Coggins. He is predeceased by his sister Carla.
A lifelong resident of Marlborough, Dave was a devoted brother, son and uncle to his entire family. He is survived by his brother Deacon Fred Coggins and his wife Zita, of Northbridge; his sister Christine Cote and her husband Phil, and brothers William and James, all of Marlborough.
In addition to his siblings, he was a hero to all his nieces and nephews and loved them all and was there for them during so many different times in their lives. They include Aaron, of Virginia; Ashley, Jesse and Brianna of Northbridge; Felicia, of North Carolina; Mikayla of Marlboro; and his great-niece Abigail, from Northbridge.
David was a Foreman and Heavy Equipment operator for the Town of Wayland for over 22 years before his retirement, and was their go-to guy when it came to difficult tasks and worked (and loved) the countless hours he put in both clearing and leading snow removal efforts throughout his career there. Many a co-worker came to appreciate and depend on a loyalty his family had always deeply appreciated. Prior to the Town of Wayland, David also worked at the L.B. Darling meat processing plant in Southboro, where he enjoyed the company of many close friends even to this day.
From the earliest of days, whether it was on the job or at home, David had a sense of humor that went with him everywhere. He loved a good prank, and could be counted on to play them when you least expected it and sometimes to the extent of potential trouble for himself (maybe a true adrenaline junky of sorts).
David was and always will remain a larger-than-life figure in the family and friends he leaves behind, and was so tough that no one saw this day coming. He was the life of any party he was at not because he tried, but because people naturally gravitated to him. A more dedicated and loyal person you would never find. If you had David as your friend you had a warrior in your corner (can you say Drew Bledsoe?).
David loved sports, and was an avid NASCAR fan and often competed in the fantasy league and other DFS contests for the thrill of it, but was equally fond of others sports and had no problem opposing our local teams in favor of those he grew up following. Although he had unwavering support for those Boston Bruins.
Mostly David will be remembered for having a bigger heart than might outwardly appear, as he covered his generous love for all in his life, sometimes, with a ‘gruff’ exterior, but boy – countless friends and family were recipients of his limitless generosity as he contributed quietly in anyway he could to help – be it financially or emotionally or more. As was said earlier, when he was in your corner you couldn’t ask for a more loyal and dedicated friend.
Friends and relatives are invited to a period of visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church, 353 River Rd, Hudson, MA 01749, immediately followed by a Celebration of His Life in church at 6:00 p.m.; burial will be held on a later date at the convenience of David’s family. Anyone planning to visit is invited to do so dressing casually, as would have been among David’s wishes.
Please visit www.tighehamilton.com to share your condolences in David’s guestbook.
