Obituary: John William ‘Jack’ Coogan Jr.

John William “Jack” Coogan Jr., a longtime resident of Montclair, died peacefully and surrounded by family on Feb.  7, 2023, in Cedar Grove. He was 87.

Mr. Coogan was born in Dunkirk, New York, to John and Margaret Coogan, one of seven children. He grew up in the Dunkirk area and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1953. 

He attended the University of Notre Dame for one year before transferring to Canisius College in Buffalo, from which he graduated in 1957. 

While at Canisius, he played basketball for the Golden Griffins and was honored to be a member of the team that reached the regional semifinals in the 1957 NCAA tournament. In 2007, his team was inducted into the Canisius College Sports Hall of Fame, a proud moment for him.

Mr. Coogan moved in 1969 to Montclair, where he raised his four children while working as a stock broker in New York City. He had a passion for sports, and he particularly loved playing golf. 

He was a wonderful storyteller and was always interested in learning about other people. He enjoyed spending time with his large family and looked forward to Coogan family reunions.

Mr. Coogan is survived by his four children, Anne, John, Elizabeth and Colleen, and eight grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his six sisters.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 328 Washington Ave., Dunkirk.

For online condolences please visit moriartyfh.com.