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Matthew Coughlin Obituary
Matthew N. Coughlin, beloved husband of Lillis Christian Hines, (Chrissie) and father of Katherine Brooks Coughlin (Katie), died in Fairhope, Alabama October 23, 2023. Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Coughlin, his mother Mary (Maher) Coughlin and his brother, John Coughlin. He was born Easter Sunday, April 4, 1943, in Lancashire, England. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters, Moira Hambleton of Branford and Catherine Sinnott of Concord, MA, Christopher Coughlin of North Arms, MA and Michael Coughlin of Groton, CT. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Matthew received his undergraduate degree at Fairfield University and a master's in literature at Villanova University. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in dramatic literature at the University of Iowa. Matthew was an educator of the best sort, engaging both his university and high school level students in the pursuit of learning. He loved to sing and joined a choir wherever he lived. He will be sadly missed by us all.
Christian service of Burial was celebrated by Father Jim Sink on October 28, 2023, at Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Parish in Spanish Fort, Alabama.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Coughlin
1 Entry
Rob Napolitano
April 28, 2025
Matt and I became excellent friends while I was attending The University of Iowa and he was working on his PhD thesis, I believe it was on Blake. We had hearty laughs together, and I miss him. I've thought about him recently and decided to attempt contacting him. This is not what I expected, and it's decidedly causing me some heartache. He was a wonderful guy, and a great friend. I wish his family my sincerest condolences.
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