http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm 19 March 2016 Obituary of Clarence Victor Coogan JR __________________________________________________________________ (extracted from "[Kingston] Daily Freeman" [NY], 03 MAR 2016): Clarence V. Coogan (February 11, 1920 - February 29, 2016) [photo] U.S. Veteran New Paltz - Clarence V. Coogan, of Old Route 32, Feb. 29, 2016, formerly of Rifton / Esopus, died at Monday February 29, 2016 at the Mountain Valley Manor in Kingston where he had been a resident for the past year. He was born February 11, 1920 in Albany NY, a son of the late Clarence V. Sr. and Kathleen Crow Coogan. He is survived by wife Wilma Lyon Coogan, a son Charles Coogan (Marsha) of Danvers, MA, daughter Linda Coogan-Liggan (Billy) of Binnewater, step daughter Dawn Cullen (Neville) of The Villages, FL., 8 grandchildren : Eric Scharmer, Susan Cullen, Michael Gerety, Thomas Gerety, Kristin Cullen, Mark Coogan, Kieran Liggan- Casey and Breanna Liggan ; 8 great grandchildren: Christopher Cullen, Billy & Lillith Russell, Caleigh Coogan, Willow Casey, Janet, Celia and Eliza Scharmer; sister in Law, Emily Coogan and several nieces and nephews. His brother Edwin Coogan, former wife Geraldine Willt Coogan, and step son Francis "Bruv" Hoisington, all died previously. His life long fascination of airplanes and flight led to his enlistment and becoming an aircraft mechanic for the US Navy during WWII, and a long time member of American Legion Post 1219, Tillson, NY and their Color Guard. He moved from Elmsford, NY to Binnewater in 1954 and worked as a mechanic and bus driver for Arthur F. Mulligan Garage on Main St., Rosendale, before being hired by IBM. Clarence worked at IBM for over 35 years and was a Quarter Century Club member. He worked 2 jobs while he attended UCCC (now SUNY Ulster) to obtain an associates degree in Drafting. He retired as a Technical Writer, and returned several times to help complete special projects. As a life-long songster Clarence sang with the “Sweet Siders” barbershop quartet as well as 25 years of entertaining with the White Plains, Kingston and Poughkeepsie choruses. He was on the Rondout Valley Board of Education during the establishment of the Rondout Middle School and Rosendale Elementary School and was able to present son Charles and daughter Linda with their High School Diplomas. He enjoyed roller skating, Native American Culture, and spent much time vacationing in St. Martin. Clarence loved Motorcycles and rode into his 70's, traveling the east coast from Newfoundland to Florida and worked out at the MAC Gym until about age 94. Other community contributions included Fire Chief of the Binnewater Volunteer Fire Department, securing property for the original A.J. Snyder Little League Field, first manager of the Little League Indians. He like many others in the area, became an avid NY Yankees Fan! Clarence and his wife Wilma enjoyed their new friends and staff at Mountain Valley Manor, loved playing Bingo and Rummycube. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mountain Valley Manor for their attentive care and antics with Clarence. He and Wilma also formed many friends in the Bruderhoff Community. Services will be held 11 AM Saturday at the George J. Moylan Home, 2053 Rt 32, Rosendale. Rev. Arlene Dawber will officiate. Calling hours and visitation will be held 4 to 7 PM Friday at the Funeral Home. Cremation and interment in Rosendale Plains Cemetery will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus, c/o Irwin Cohen, Treasurer, 42 Weatherly Dr., Salem, MA 01970. __________________________________________________________________ ***