John C. Coggin Jr: Loving Dad, Retired History Teacher, Veteran,

John C. Coggin Jr., 85, of Chelmsford passed on Wednesday Nov. 25, 2015 at Palm Center.

Born in Lynn, MA on July 13, 1930, he was the son of the late John C. and Esther Coggin. He was raised in Lynn and Rockport, MA, and attended Lynn English High School with the class of 1948. He earned his Bachelors degree in Political Science from Boston University and his Masters degree in History from Salem State College.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was influenced from his experiences serving at the U.S. Embassy in Turkey.

John worked as a High School History Teacher for many years before retiring in 1987 from Marblehead High School. He previously taught at Pentucket Regional High School and Duxbury High School. He was a member of Veterans for Peace (Boston Chapter) and an activist for social justice. He enjoyed traveling internationally, learning and speaking many languages. He was an avid photographer. He loved animals, especially cats. He loved to cook and enjoyed boating. He was very interested in the history and politics of the Middle East.

John was a special person due to his unselfish ways and caring nature. He is remembered as an extremely loving and incredible Dad! He is survived by his two sons, Christopher Coggin and John “Trip” Coggin III, and Trip’s wife Melissa Cariño, all of Lowell; his former wife Deanna (Dinsmore) Goode of Marblehead, MA; his brother, William Coggin and his wife Josephine of Topsfield, MA, and many loving friends, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Coggin of Franklin, MA; Ray Coggin of Fairfax, VA; Ingrid Chruniak of Beverly, MA; Anna Levitsky of Norwood, MA; Ruth Wood of GA; and Norma Adams of Hampton, NH.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, Dec. 1st from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA. A Private Memorial will be held at a later date. For those that wish to make contributions in his memory, please donate to Veterans for Peace or Lowell Humane Society.

Obituary courtesy of Dolan Funeral Home.