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Kelly Funeral Home - Lee

3 Main St

Lee, Massachusetts

John Coulter Obituary

John M. Coulter, 54, of Lee, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017. A life-long advocate of learning and teaching, he is remembered as loving, humorous and kind - a son, brother, husband, father and friend, and a mentor to hundreds of students over his three-plus decades of teaching.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, John graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1981. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he received his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in Accounting, all with highest honors. For the past twenty years he pursued his passion of teaching and mentoring students from all walks of life at Western New England University, where he was recently appointed Associate Dean of the College of Business. In 2005 he became a CPA, earning the designation's highest exam score in Massachusetts that year. He traveled all over the country presenting on higher education topics, connecting with his peers and tirelessly working to improve business education for students everywhere.

His boundlessly inquisitive nature left no question unanswered and no problem unsolved. His love of learning extended far beyond the classroom and his varied interests included music of all genres, the Red Sox, animals (especially his "grandcat" Boodles and his beloved cat Tasha), chess, cooking, golf, travel, reading, and Eastern philosophy. He proudly volunteered as President of the condominium association in South Wellfleet, MA, where he and his wife and daughter enjoyed countless vacations at their second home.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Lee, his daughter Heather and son-in-law Jonathan Kemp of Holliston, his parents Jim and Ellen Coulter of Pittsfield, his brother Bob Coulter of Kirkwood, MO, his uncle and aunt Thomas and Patricia Coulter of Pittsfield, his uncle and aunt Maurice and Jean Lafleur of Punta Gorda, FL, his father-in-law Jack Wright of Pittsfield, and many cousins.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be from 4 to 7pm at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee on Friday October 27. A celebration of life will be held at Greenock Country Club on Saturday, October 28 from 1 to 4pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Western New England University for the John M. Coulter Excellence in Accounting Award, or to Berkshire Humane Society in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238.

If you would like to send a donation or leave a message of condolence or share pictures please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net

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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Oct. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Coulter

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Jeff Robinson

November 6, 2017

Dear Lisa and family - I met John at a "Getting Things Done" seminar...we sat next to each other. We hit it off immediately and he was so helpful for the years that followed - sharing what he learned and what helped him get better. I was shocked and saddened to see the news. I will always remember John for his friendship and how he helped me shape my life for the better.

Deepest Sympathies

Jeff

RICHARD SIMPSON

November 4, 2017

John took 3 courses under my direction. He was the best student in all three classes. So bright with a great thirst for knowledge. We got to know each other as he would come to my office to talk about the material we were studying. He told me that he decided to become a faculty member in one of my classes as he said "I can do that" He was a great success and will be sorely missed.

David Bengel

October 29, 2017

Dear Lisa and family,

Annie and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of a friend and leader. John did a great job running our Cape Cod community at Deck II. He will be missed. We enjoyed our time with John and will cherish those memories forever.

Respectfully,
David Bengel and Annie Lee

Rich Brody

October 29, 2017

John and I have been friends for about 25 years. We published together, we saw the Dead together, talked about life and shared all kinds of things. I was just checking his Facebook account as I had some things I wanted to tell him about and I saw all of the recent posts. John was one of the kindest, smartest and most dedicated people I have ever known. My sincere condolences to his family. Fare thee well, my friend.

Marie Beers

October 29, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Coulter. John was an advisor to my daughter Bianca over 10 years ago at WNEC. We will never forget how he was able to get her through some difficult times and thereafter always coming through with advice whenever she felt she had questions about accounting, jobs, or life in general and how it pertained to her career. A very kind and caring man who meant so much to her and because of that, to us, her family as well. He will surely be missed and we will always appreciate the good fortune of having known him. May he rest in peace, though far to early.

Kelly Moretti

October 28, 2017

Dear Lisa, Heather, Jack, Jerry and Goeffrey, I was shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. He always came to Dr. Sinclair's Dental office smiling, funny and open to conversation! The photos of him at the funeral home were awesome--he was always smiling, had his arm around Lisa or Heather, and seemed to completely enjoy his life. Jack always spoke so fondly of John during our visits at the office-happy that Lisa and Heather were cared for by such a loving man. His loss is too soon after Kathy's, for certain, and leaves a lot for the family to bear. My deepest condolences to all!! Love, Kelly (your hygienist and friend)

October 26, 2017

My condolences to the family on the loss of a great man. My daughter is a current student at WNE and we have had many opportunities to engage in conversations in which he shared his knowledge about many life subjects, compassion for animals and human students, and love of teaching. A void is felt all over campus and I hope all students capture what he taught as they move forward through life, because his teachings were not found in books.

Rocky Daley

October 25, 2017

John was a high school classmate...PHS class of '85...and I'm not sure our paths crossed during the years after graduation. That was unfortunate, for John was an intelligent, funny, and very personable individual whose memory evokes nothing but pleasant memories. My sympathies to family and friends.

Chips Chipalkatti

October 25, 2017

Really sorry to hear sad news. My heartfelt condolences to John's family. John was good friend of mine from our PhD days. He was a great mentor. John, I will miss our long sessions at the AAA conference chatting about our PhD days, being Chairs and much more ! May your soul rest in peace.

Doug D

October 25, 2017

John was without a doubt my favorite professor at WNEC. He was not only a professor, but a friend to all of us. I've never seen anyone go above and beyond like he did to help his students not only during their time at WNEC, but also after graduation. We all had some good times with John at the bar after class and on the Boston trips. He was just a genuine guy that always got a laugh out of us. RIP Coulter

Caroline OCallahan

October 25, 2017

I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of the family. John was one of coolest,kindest and smart person who I've meet. Prayers for his family.

October 25, 2017

We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to our neighbor and friend, John. Our hearts and prayers are with Lisa and family during this very sad time. We will always remember John as the gentle, bright, and humorous friend who was genuinely interested in everyone and everything, and who so generously lent his time, talent and great energy to our home owners association. We will miss our "Deck2 Chats" and will especially miss his most excellent music choices as we cleaned our yards together. Godspeed, good neighbor, Deck 2 already sorely misses you. With heavy hearts, PJ and Patti Lowicki

Chloe Cincotta

October 25, 2017

Professor Coulter was a genuinely caring and bright individual. Although I never took a course with him, I went to him for help on a variety of subjects, like advising me on future coursework. Although he had a lot on his plate, he was always happy to help a student in need. I am happy to have met such a wonderful person.

Pamela Belden Class of 2010

October 25, 2017

Professor Coulter cared like no other. I had known him since he began teaching at WNE when I was an undergrad in the 90's and he recently made sure I was accepted into the Master's program. There are no words to describe the void that will be left at WNE and in our hearts. My condolences to all his family.

Mary Larrow

October 25, 2017

Dear Lisa, I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved husband John. What a fulfilled life and legacy he has left behind for you and your daughter Heather to treasure. May God grant you the strength and courage to get through the days ahead. He will be missed by the many, many, lives he taught. Love and God bless, Mary Larrow

Rachel Weeks

October 25, 2017

Lisa, Heather and family, we are so sorry for your loss. John did such a great job leading the board at Deck 2 and his contributions will be missed. May the memories of your life together comfort you during this time of grief. Sincerely, Rachel and Art Weeks

October 25, 2017

Professor Coulter was a great mentor and understood how to connect with his students. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Bonnie Vanhouten

October 25, 2017

My condolences to the family. My son had him for a teacher this semester. He is surprised & sad about the news RIP John Coulter

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
for John Coulter

Oct

27

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Kelly Funeral Home - Lee

3 Main St, Lee, MA 01238

Oct

28

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Greenock Country Club

MA

Funeral services provided by:

Kelly Funeral Home - Lee

3 Main St, Lee, MA 01238

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