Ralph William Coogan

RALPH WILLIAM COOGAN

HORNELL-Ralph William Coogan, 93, passed away Thursday evening (June 23, 2011.)
Born in Hornell on Aug. 21, 1917, he was a son of the late Ralph James Coogan and Eleanor Kurtsworth Coogan. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his loving wife, Pearl Beatrice Clark Coogan; his three brothers, Robert, Kenneth and Jack; his sister Grace Dailey and his granddaughter, Ashley Greenfield.
He was the father to Ralph James (Judy) Coogan and their children, Andrea and Jamie, Frederick William Coogan and Teresa Jaycox and her children, Tammy, Toni and Justin.
A proud veteran, Ralph served during World War II with the 8th Army Air Corps from 1942 to his honorable discharge in 1946.
He was employed with the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad as a yardman, with Conrail as a fireman and engineer and retired from the Delaware & Hudson Railway System as an engineer.
Ralph was a life time member of several area clubs and volunteered for the Hornell Area Humane Society where he was also a former member of the Board of Directors.
His early interests included soccer, football, track, dance band drumming, raising beagle show dogs, chickens and his horse “Flossi.” Later interests were flying, bowling with friends on the Dagon team, golfing and trolling around Conesus Lake in his boat. Ralph enjoyed rabbit hunting season with his infamous beagles, bird season with his German Shorthair pointer named “Sport” and experiencing deer season with his son and friends.
He was a Mister Fix-It type of guy with and Archie Bunker type personality. Ralph humored his family and went to meet his maker never knowing the answers to many questions like, “what happened to the cannons in the park?”, “why did they have to get rid of the stables and build the high school?” and “where did all the passenger trains go?” as well as statements like, “doesn’t this town know how beautiful the Sherwood Hotel was?”, etc.
Ralph was a long term resident of McAuley Manor. The transitions started off difficult for all but as the staff got to know him the relationships grew. Thank you for making him smile. His life ended there surrounded by these caring people and his great roommate, James Rechichi, who showed respect to our Dad in many kind ways.
May all that knew him as Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Ralph, Two Gun Googun, Big Shorty or Junior, remember how much he loved you.
There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the Arkport Heritage Hill Cemetery at the convenience of his family, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ralph, please display a special deed to a military service man or woman, and let them know how special they are.
Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. an honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 285 Main St., Hornell.