Joseph “Joe” E. Coghlan Jr., age 62, of Mullica Hill, NJ, was called home to be with our Lord on January 8, 2024. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his loving family and friends, especially attending sporting events and activities for his doting grandchildren.
Joe was born on May 9, 1961 in Darby, Pennsylvania to Kathleen Saunders and Joseph E. Coghlan Sr. He attended high school at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA, where he played sports, was drum major of the marching band, and was Core Commander of his class. He graduated in 1979, and began his 42-year-long career at Boeing Helicopters, in Ridley Park, PA.
In 1981, Joe married his devoted wife Karen of 42 years, and together they had three children, Amanda, Joseph, and Patrick. He was the most loving father and partner in life. He never missed a single game, dance recital, swim meet, competition…the list could go on and on. And he was there not just for his kids, but for his eight nieces and nephews, dozens of great nieces and nephews, neighbors, friends, and grandchildren. He was the guy who everyone could depend on to show up and cheer them on (and of course, boo the competition). This wasn’t because he had to, but because there was no other place on earth he would rather be than with his family.
While he dedicated his life to his family, his work at Boeing was his second passion. During his long tenure, he began as a sheet metal worker and quickly progressed to Delivery Center Operations Manager (the Head of Flight Testing for the Chinook Helicopters). He was then chosen to lead the Italian Chinook Program in Italy, where he helped develop the Italian Chinook Production Line and taught the team how to build the helicopters and produce the flight test program. He traveled the world to spread his vast knowledge and expertise with Boeing’s international colleagues and partners. He received countless awards over the years, and even continued to provide consultation services to Boeing after his retirement in 2021.
To say Joe was the best grandfather would be an understatement. It’s difficult to put into words the love and pride he felt for his adoring grandkids, and he was thrilled to be welcoming his second granddaughter, who was due just a few days after his passing. He was often found with all the grandkids playing outside, taking walks in nature, building forts, attending their sporting events, teaching them how to ride bikes and swim, and running them back and forth to all their activities and practices. After his retirement, he loved picking up all of the kids from school, and of course, would bring Bogart the dog on all of his outings.
Joe is survived by his wife Karen (Knorr), and his three children, Amanda (Chris) Cicchini, Joseph Coghlan, and Patrick (Aislynn) Coghlan, in addition to his four grandchildren, Jacob (11), Joseph (10), Christian (9), Nora (9), and Isobel (due any day). He is also survived by his siblings Kit (Al) Yeager, Mary Jane (Don) Chestnut, and sister-in-law Teresa (George) O’Donnell, in addition to dozens of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends, and loved ones. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Michael Coghlan.
Relatives and friends are invited to his VIsitation on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 7-9 pm at Calvary Chapel, located at Calvary Plaza 5360 Rt. 42N, Turnersville, NJ 08012. A second Visitation will take place at the chapel prior to the service from 9-11 am on Monday, January 15, 2024. Service to follow. Burial will take place at Jesus Bread of Life Cemetery, at 3055 Fostertown Road, Mt. Laurel Township, NJ 08054.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS at https://ccals.org.
