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JOHN GAUGHAN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN GAUGHAN
Jim Frey
April 4, 2017
Hard to find a person who had their feet on the ground in a more balanced way than John. I Knew him as a teacher ( Roger Bacon 1954- 1958), and went to his alma mater ( Quincy College 1958-1962) on John's advice.
Over time I realized the person I knew and really liked ( he could be funny)
was solid and strong in a way that is unique. He walked among us ( that's how we felt) and got respect. In a weak metaphor - John was a template for responsibility and how to act.
A favorite question reporters ask about presidential candidates is "who would you most like to have a drink with?" John would be near the top of my list. If more people today (leaders, sports figures, entertainers, young people) had the opportunity to talk with John at an early age, can't help,think we would all be better off.
Jim Frey
Lawrence Bowman
March 30, 2017
Just learned of John's passing and sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. John was a gentleman and excellent educator in every regard. I worked with John during my four-year term as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend (1986-1990) and John was a loyal and supportive leader who helped make my time there a wonderful experience. Respected fondly and remembered.
Terry Geisen
March 26, 2017
My favorite teacher! Roger Bacon '57.
Bob Hauck
March 25, 2017
A teacher's teacher, a coach's coach, a man among men. John Gaughan was all of these.
Tom Blaising
March 23, 2017
RIP, Mr. Coach.
Tom Schilling
March 21, 2017
Coach Gaughan is timeless and embodied what it means to be an exceptional coach. He was tough but fair. He taught us to be winners both on and off the field. My condolences to the Gaughan Family.
Kenneth Novak
March 21, 2017
I am a 1971 graduate of St Bede Academy where Coach Gaughan was not only a teacher and coach, but also our Principal.
I consider Coach Gaughan one of thee most singular and powerful influences on my life. He was a role model in both his position of authority and in his spiritual influences. During track practice, one of the things that stood out to me was what he told us when we were tired and had a tendency to bend down with our hands on our knees to catch our breath. He told us always to stand up straight and be proud that we were a St Bede Bruin.
In the Sociology class I had with him he would pick a "brother' student each day to lead the class in prayer. Some of the "prayers" were quite interesting to say the least. Nevertheless, he responded to each supplication with a fervent AMEN!
I extend my deepest condolences to the family in the loss of this incredibly special human being, and especially to his son, Barney, who was in the class of 1971. Warm regards, Ken Novak
don lundquist
March 21, 2017
coach gaughan was the greatest person i had the privilege of knowing. coach was my mentor and role model. condolences to the gaughan family. coach was varsity coach for football,basketball and track and and still had time to teach history and be a family man. they do not make men like that anymore. God bless you. your friend don lundquist class of 63
Matthew Farber MD
March 21, 2017
It was a privilege helping you and getting to know you and your family.
Brenda Mckinney-Green
March 21, 2017
Rest in heaven Mr. Gaughan you were a wonderful educator. Prayers and blessings to the family
Gregory Bracho
March 20, 2017
John F. Gaughan - A Saint Marching Home
A Saint, who fell 88 times and got up 89 times
a marine corp soldier, but God's first
a humble irishman, giving to others like St. Francis of Assisi
a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a coach, a teacher
He would rise every morning,
with a cup of coffee in one hand and a rosary in the other
praying by candlelight to Mother Mary for his daily strength
as well as for his family, students and a world in turmoil
He would pray the world
to get on its knees and thank God for the gift of life
to pray daily because without the world wont make it
to love and forgive unconditionally
Anyplace and everywhere he went, he made it his classroom,
challenging students even if C's and D's were the best they could give
and demanding more from those who made A's and B's
because we have a moral obligation to give our best
Football, his favorite childhood game
where he spent some of his happiest moments with his wife
watching his students giving their best because
potential never got an A, it never scored a touchdown
I dreamt talking with him one last time,
how much I admired and thanked him for welcoming me to Dwenger
he told me, I cared for you
As he left us, he wished peace on earth
he knew we are all a gift from God
and what we became is our gift back to Him.
Gregory Bracho, Dwenger graduate 1992
JOHN GRANT
March 20, 2017
May GOD BLESS Mr. Gaughan and his Family. As a young man, you were someone I looked up to and admired. If it weren't for you, I would not have graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School (Class 87), see, my Mom and I were poor and could not afford all the tuition, but you told my Mom, "John was a SAINT and needed to stay at Dwenger". You allowed us to make payments on our tuition and we finally paid it off at the end of my 1st year of college. You, Mr. Gaughan, are part of the reason I am a successful Man today. I can never Thank You enough for always looking out for my mom and me.
GOD BLESS you Mr. Gaughan.
Carole & Herb Fuller
March 20, 2017
John was a man of great character and love for the Lord.
He set a wonderful example for our two Dwenger grads.
May he rest in peace.....
Sincerely,
The Fuller Family
Joyce Grant-Steiner
March 20, 2017
Dear Mr. Gaughan, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR KINDNESS TO MY FAMILY. YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT A GOOD CATHOLIC MAN SHOULD BE AN HONOR TO HIS CHURCH, SCHOOL, FAMILY AND AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY. wE WILL SURLY MISS YOU. WE DO HAVE YOUR SON,A PART OF YOU,A FINE PASTOR OF MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD.I KNOW YOU'RE IN THE ARMS OFTHE ANGLES. GOD BLESS YOU.
Stacy Martin
March 20, 2017
Mr. Gaughan was my principal. He was a genuine man of deep faith. He instilled in his students the importance of love of God and standing up for the faith no matter the cost. I am thankful for the positive influence he had in my life. Thank you all for sharing him with all of us.
Theresa Carroll
March 20, 2017
I am praying for John and the entire family. John was a man of service and a wonderful example of hard work and dedication to our diocese. He will be missed.
GARY & BECKY PILLING
March 20, 2017
Fr.Joe, and family we our so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.Please know your in our thoughts and prayers.RIP Mr. Gaughan. The Pillings from Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.
Jim Still
March 20, 2017
May God bless you John Gaughan. As a young man, you were my idol. As my coach, you had a powerful influence on my life. In fact, it was because of you that I chose to teach and coach. I wanted to be just like you. In truth, I never came close. May you forever rest in peace. Jim Still
Janice Martin
March 20, 2017
Dear Mrs. Gaughan and family,
Words cannot describe how humble I am to have been allowed to know and work along side of John. He was such an influence on my faith life. John was an amazing man who will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
May our Lord and Blessed Mother comfort you,
Janice Martin
Office of Catechesis
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Joel Gerdovich. SB class 1970
March 20, 2017
My sympathy in your loss.
I had him for sociology. Great teacher.
Dorothy and Ron Kuffel
March 20, 2017
Ron and I extend our sympathy to your family.
john o'reilly
March 20, 2017
Coach Gaughan was an inspiration to me since high school. One of the most respected person I have ever known. He will be missed by all. I am blessed that he was a part of my upbringing. One of life's real hero's.
John Phillips
March 20, 2017
I remember a lot of happiness in the house at the end of Kenilworth. I don't know how you all fit in there...
Betty Kubesh
March 19, 2017
To the Gaughan Families,
Please accept my condolences and prayers on the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather John.
He is now at peace, Amen.
Ron Kuffel
March 20, 2017
Coach Gaughan did not just coach, he instilled values. God bless and keep him.
September 10, 1973, vs La Salle-Peru. The Bruins won 14-8 with a goal line stand.
Will Van Daele
March 19, 2017
Coach Gaughan was the greatest man I ever met.
March 19, 2017
father Joe So sorry for your loss. Sallie Naltner
Barb (Costin) Geller
March 18, 2017
To the Gaughan family -
My childhood is full of memories of John Gaughan and the family. Thank you, Mr. Gaughan, for being such a great friend to my dad and to your whole family for being wonderful, faithful role models for all of us.
Bill Bentley
March 18, 2017
So sorry , Father Joe to hear of your father's death. What a great man. All I've ever heard of him were great and positive things. You and your family are in our prayers. May God give you all peace and strength, now, and the days ahead. Bill and Paula Bentley
Nancy Gach
March 18, 2017
Fr. Joe, Chris and I are sorry for the loss of your Father. God's Blessings for you and your family. (Gach)
Linda Pfeiffer
March 18, 2017
Father Joe, I can never begin to give you the support you gave me during Steve's death. You and your family will ALWAYS be forever in my prayers!
Linda Pfeiffer! ❤
Brent Dobbins
March 18, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, Mary Ann, and the entire Gaughan family.
Mark Janko
March 18, 2017
Coach Gaughan greatly influenced me. Throughout it my life. I often reflected on and used the moral principals he instilled in all his players at St Bede.
His legacy is all the young men he molded and the great loving family he has left behind.
Michael QUINN
March 18, 2017
John was my first cousin. I didn't get to know him well because of the age and distance from the Chicago area. I had heard so much about him I stopped in Fort Wayne on a trip from my home in Georgia to meet him. I am very glad I did. John was a sports legend in our Chicago neighborhood.
Thomas Gibson
March 18, 2017
Sorry for Your family's Loss I remember him, as a coach at Bishop Luers,John Jr. I remember You from St John's thought and prayers to you and your family
Dan and Sharon Alter
March 18, 2017
To the entire family of John Gaughan,
Our heart felt sympathy. John was an inspiration, a great man, an example to our 5 children to play by the rules. God and heaven are so blessed to have him in heaven. Remembering the good times
Vince & Marty LaBarbera
March 18, 2017
Know that John and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. May John's soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Pat Christle
March 18, 2017
Coach Gaughan was a model of what it meant to be a Catholic man during my four years at Luers and for many years afterward. One can only hope to have as positive an impact on others as he did. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
John Phillips
March 18, 2017
I remember many happy times in the house at the end of Kenilworth. It was a beehive of smiling, terrific people.
Debbie Beach Coulby
March 18, 2017
Love and prayers to your family. Take peace and comfort in your wonderful memories.
Conny Franken
March 18, 2017
Dear Fr. Joe and Family,
We are so sad to read about Mr.Gaughan. Please know that all of you will be in our prayers.
Jeanne Franken, Gwen Harding, Mary Henemyer and Conny Franken
Bob Sabatini
March 18, 2017
Michael and family,
Please know that y'all are in our prayers.
Always had fun flaunting my 'Italianess' with your Dad, especially on St Patrick's Day.
He was a great role model that is sorely lacking in the education community today.
Take pride and comfort in knowing how many lives he touched in a positive way.
And please extend our special condolences to your mom.
Hoping to see you this fall.
Subbo
Bob Sabatini and family.
John McEvoy
March 18, 2017
As a senior at Bishop Dwenger, Mr. Gaughan became Our new leader. I had the pleasure of having a personal meeting with him. It was his way of introducing himself and getting to know his "kids" ! He was special! I never met the all of the family, but I do know Father Joe. He is as special and gracious like his father! GOD bless you all. May you all be comforted!
Julie Miller
March 18, 2017
To the Entire Gaughan Family, I am so sorry for the loss of this Great Man. You All are Proof of what an Awesome family should be!!! Your Mother and Father were some of the kindest people ive ever met. You all are in my prayers as He is laid to rest. Pat, Youre never alone. John and You have created a Huge Legacy in your family. It is Evident!! May you feel Gods Presence and Love with you.
JoAnn Roscoe McCaffrey
March 18, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the Gaughan Family on your loss. John was a friend and mentor to me while I was at Luers and in the Catholic Schools Office.
Keith and Sandee Jamour
March 17, 2017
Coach Vaughan and family will be in our prayers.
clifton shay
March 17, 2017
If not for the Coach I would not be the person I am today and he will be truly missed! As a boarding student at St. Bede academy he challenge me to straighten up and become a man.
Tom Leydon
March 18, 2017
I was a student at St. Bede Academy in the 1970s when Coach Gaughan, as all of the students called him, was vice principal and head football coach. Coach Gaughan was considered a legend in our community, not just because he was an inspirational leader and coach of some of the winningest football teams in St. Bede history, but because he was a man of faith and principle at a time when the very foundations of the Catholic faith and our society seemed to be shaking. Although I was not much of a student or athlete in high school, Coach Gaughan played a pivotal role in my development, and his words and actions as a coach, vice principal and father of 9 children, left a strong imprint on my early life, and inspired my commitment to family, education and faith as I grew into adulthood. My thoughts and prayers go out to my classmate and childhood friend Tom Gaughan and his brothers, sisters, spouses, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren as you mourn his loss. I also join you in celebrating his life, and the positive influence he had on thousands of young Catholic minds and souls in the communities he served.
George Cundari
March 18, 2017
He was truly an influence and inspiration to hundreds of students, myself included.
sara glaze
March 17, 2017
I will always remember his respect and love for the unborn. During my years at Dwenger 84-91 Mr. Gaughan would often come down to the abortion clinic on Thursday Morning and pray the rosary with us. He just walk and pray not drawing any attention to himself. If I was a little late getting into school from the clinic he told the teachers to excuse it talk to him if they had a problem with it. He was a strong by gentle man. He will be missed
Martha Knipscheer
March 17, 2017
Fr.Joe,Eric&I are so sorry to hear about your dad,God Bless. Knipscheer's
Dan Arkins
March 17, 2017
So many times i would reflect on this man and think about the countless lives he has touched. As a teen aged student athlete, i can tell you that i never once saw a bad side to this man. He taught me so much about myself. Each summer i travel with my family by car from Connecticut back to LaSalle Peru to visit family. Each year i would cross the Indiania border and think of this man and the lessons he taught. in the class, on the field for football or track, i would listen intently when Coach talked. The harder you listened or the more you watched, the more you learned. Thanks Coach and thank family for sharing your time with me at St. Bede. My prayers are with you all
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