Caldwell Lowers Flag To Half-Mast After Ex-Councilman Dies

CALDWELLS, NJ — The Borough of Caldwell lowered its flag to half-mast earlier this month in tribute to former councilman Ralph Dougan, who died on Jan. 9. He was 87.

According to his obituary, Dougan spent more than 35 years as a teacher, coach and school administrator, holding head soccer coaching positions at St. Peters College, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bloomfield College.

He held taught at public schools in Roseland and North Caldwell, and also served at West Essex High School, where he was a teacher, coach and athletic director for 25 years. Read the full obituary here.

Dougan is a member of the Harrison High School and West Essex School Hall of Fames. He is also a member of the NJ High School Hockey Hall of Fame, which offered him a tribute on social media after his passing.

“Ralph was a great person, but even more importantly he was a great human being,” the group wrote.

On Jan. 19, the Borough of Caldwell paid tribute to Dougan’s contributions to the community, lowering its flag on the green in his honor.

Councilman Frank Rodgers offered words of condolence for the family.

“I first met Mr. Dougan when I was in the 6th grade and my mother was his secretary for a number of years at West Essex,” Rodgers wrote.

“At that time, he was an established legendary soccer coach and loved by his student athletes and fellow educators,” Rodgers continued. “As a student-athlete at West Essex High School, his influence upon my life was immense. I have been a teacher and a coach for over 30 years, and Mr. Dougan played an important part for me in choosing this path. There are countless more, my sister Mary Rose being one, that have been fortunate to have their lives touched by such a great man.”

“Our town offers Mrs. Dougan, and sons Ralph JR and Jeff, our deepest sympathies,” Rodgers added.

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