Duncan-Coolidge-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London

Duncan Coolidge

New London, New Hampshire

Oct 5, 1945 – Jan 25, 2026

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BORN
October 5, 1945
DIED
January 25, 2026
LOCATION
New London, New Hampshire

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Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London Obituary

Dr. John Duncan Coolidge, M.D. died unexpectedly at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire on January 25, 2026 at the age of 80. Duncan was born on October 5, 1945 in Portland, Maine to Mary Louise and John Coolidge. He spent his childhood in Bronxville, New York and Old Greenwich, Connecticut. He married the love of his life, Margaret (Margo) Smith in 1967 and attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, graduating with a degree in Chemistry. He spent the next six years pursuing a graduate degree in Oceanographic Chemistry at the University of Hawaii and attending the University of Hawaii School of Medicine. Duncan completed his residency in Internal Medicine in Burlington, Vermont. After two years working for the National Health Service, he joined a colleague in a private medical practice in Franklin, New Hampshire. Duncan was passionate about healthcare and his patients. He loved practicing medicine in Franklin.


Duncan and his family settled in an old farmhouse in East Andover in 1981. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, many outdoor activities such as sailing, skiing and camping, Cape Cod, Hawaii, his beloved Miata, and so much more.


Duncan put his engineering mind and his handyman skills to good use over the years remodeling and maintaining ‘this old house’. His many varied intellectual interests were legendary. He shared his wonderful sense of humor with everyone, and he was so glad he could serve his town as Selectman for two years. His good heart and his ready wit will live on through his family and the many great friends made over his lifetime.


Duncan is predeceased by his parents, Mary Louise Coolidge and John Coolidge of Pinehurst, North Carolina, his brother Daniel Coolidge of Andover, New Hampshire, and his brother John, who died in infancy. Duncan leaves behind his wife Margaret, their children Kathleen and Jonathan, their spouses Timothy Eltzroth and Laura Coolidge, and four grandchildren, his sister Mary Dean Perna and her spouse William Perna, and many nieces and nephews.


Calling hours will be on Monday, February 9, from 4 - 6 pm at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH. His funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Andover on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.. Rev. Donald Clinton will officiate. All are welcome to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to Twin Rivers Food Pantry, 2 Central St., Franklin, NH, 03235. 

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Oh I am so sad to learn of Duncan's death. He and I practiced primary care up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont (1979-1981). He was an enjoyable partner with so many fascinating interests. He was well-liked up there and just a great person to work with. It was by accident that I learned today about his death.
I am so sorry for your loss Margo and family.

I miss Duncan. He was always supportive of me, even though I could be a nuisance at times. He was a good person.

Dear Margo and family. Sending my condolences and praying to God that you all remain strong in your faith. Love and God Bless, a friend, Emily Kennedy

Very sad to lose a great friend. Duncan was a very interesting person. He accepted diversity, and through his medical knowledge and charismatic personality, he understood the importance and value of many people . We were honored to have him in our community and our lives.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. The Ganleys

Dear Margo, Katie, and Jonathan

I have wonderful memories of working with Duncan at Franklin Regional Hospital over many years. He was always a help when we had some very sick patients. He and I would often watch movies in the middle of the night when I had a patient in labor and he was taking care of someone in the intensive care unit. We would have a great time together.
My sincere sympathy to all of you
Peter Doane

I was very privileged to know Duncan and to have been a friend of his for many years. Throughout those years I was continually amazed at his range of interests and his never-ending quest to understand how all things work, from the smallest wonders to the “big questions”. His sense of humor kept us all ready to have a good laugh, sometimes when we least expected it. He had solid values, a strong love of family and a genuine concern for all. I have the deepest respect for him and know that...

So sorry for your loss Margo and your family.

I am saddened to read of Dr. Coolidge's passing. I met Dr. Coolidge when I needed a DOT Physical. I had never met him, so with most things important, I was a little nervous. Well, he came in, he was kind, sincere, and chatty, as I was working in his town. What I remember most was his relaxed professional manner and how "real" he was. When I left I remember how relaxed he made me feel, not your typical doctor's office visit. I am sorry for your loss and the loss to the medical...