Obituary of Francis J. Coughlin

COUGHLIN- Francis J., of Manhasset, New York on October 12th in his 90th year. A lawyer, and sole practioner for 60 years in his native Yorkville section of Manhattan, Frank was a staunch advocate for his clients. He was devoted to and predeceased by his loving wife Alice (nee Breen) caring for her devotedly while she endured a long illness before her death. He and Alice raised four sons who were blessed to have such parents: Francis (Jr.), Dennis, the late Timothy (killed in the 9/11 attacks) and Robert. Frank was father-in-law of Ellen, Nancy and Kathleen Coughlin and Maura Coughlin-Roberti. Frank was a loving grandfather to Kevin, Francis (III), William, Alice, Tara, Eamon, Patrick, Claire, Ryann, Sean, Brendan and Riley Coughlin. Born in a coldwater flat to Irish immigrants Catherine (nee Lane, Co. Cork) and Augustine Coughlin (Co. Limerick), Frank was predeceased by his brothers Augustine (Jr.) and Daniel, and his sister Elizabeth. Frank was a graduate of the joint bachelor and law degree program of New York University. He was a WW II veteran (earning a battle star in Italy) and former patrol officer for the NYPD. Frank was a member of St Mary’s parish in Manhasset for 50 years serving in numerous ministries and roles including counsel and trustee. He also served on the boards of the Manhasset unit of the Nassau County Police Athletic League and of Plandome Country Club. His wife Alice was an integral part of his law practice. Starting in 1955, during the annual “tax season, ” long before electronic filings and web-based tax programs, Alice and Frank were a collective juggernaut in the preparation of more than 700 income tax returns every year. Frank worked hard at and enjoyed social engagements and he and Alice traveled whenever the practice would permit. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, October 15th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and on Friday, October 16th from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at Fairchild’s Sons Funeral Home on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset (516) 627- 2000 (www.fairchildsons.com.) Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday October 17th, 10 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 1300 Northern Boulevard Manhasset with internment immediately following at (old) Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowes, donations may be made in Frank’s name to tuition support at St. Mary's High School, 51 Clapham Avenue Manhasset NY 11030.