http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

23 December 2010

Obituary of Thomas J. Coogan

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(extracted from "Detroit Free Press" [MI], 12 DEC 1995):

LONGTIME MAYOR MOVED MELVINDALE FORWARD

Jennifer Juarez Robles, Free Press Staff Writer

Melvindale Mayor Thomas J. Coogan, known as the "barbershop
politician," died at his home early Monday following a brief
illness.  He was 63.

Mr. Coogan, who was first elected mayor in 1975, often ran city
affairs for the Downriver community from Tom Coogan's Barber 
Shop.

In November, Mr. Coogan won an 11th term.  The Democrat was to 
have served the [four]-year term.

"He was looking forward to serving those four years," said
Police Chief James Brophy.  "He was a dedicated city servant.  He
was working both with residents and industrial firms - as we all
need to in a community - to move forward."

Mr. Coogan's mother, Irene, and father, Joseph, were longtime 
clerks in Melvindale.

Mr. Coogan sought office in part because he was having trouble
getting ice time for a Melvindale hockey team in the city arena -
a condition he rectified once in office by building more rinks.

Mr. Coogan provided the leadership to build a city hall complex
and worked to diversify the city's industrial base.  

He was an advocate for senior citizens and introduced several
city programs for older residents.

He campaigned against the depositing of industrial waste in the
city and directed the building of several parks and recreation
centers.

"Tom was always anxious to have Downriver stand out," said Jim
Jones, executive director of the Downriver Community Conference.
"He pushed all of us to do a bit better.  He just did great 
whatever he did."

Mr. Coogan enjoyed bow and arrow hunting and jet rides from the
Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

About two years ago, he retired and closed the barber shop.
Longtime friend Viola Birkett said Mr. Coogan had recovered from
lung cancer in recent years.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; sons Joseph, Thomas D.
and Lawrence; three sisters, and two grandchildren.

Visitation is from noon to 9 p.m. today at Voran's Funeral Home
in Allen Park, with a service at 7:30 p.m.

A mass is at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 
19624 Wood St.  Burial will be in Lady of Hope Cemetery in 
Woodhaven.

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(extracted from "Toledo Blade" [OH], 13 DEC 1995):

THOMAS COOGAN

...who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary as mayor of this
Detroit suburb, died of lung cancer on Monday.  He was [63]...
...Mr. Coogan and four fellow city council...

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(extracted from "USA Today", 13 DEC 1995):

"Michigan"

Melvindale - Services are [being held] today for Mayor Thomas
Coogan, 63, who died Monday of lung cancer...

http://news.google.com

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