WILLIAM P. COUGHLAN, husband, father, son, mariner, provider and protector, passed away peacefully after a valiant fight, on April 18, 2021 surrounded by his wife, Lynne, and sons, John and James.  Bill was born in Cambridge, MA to William J. and Mary P. Coughlan and made his way to Yarmouth Port in the late 70’s. He and Lynne also recently enjoyed their home -away -from home in Venice, FL.

 

Upon graduating from the University of New Hampshire In 1972 with a B.S. in Physics,  Bill worked for the New England Telephone Company.  Bill soon discovered his true calling was to serve the residents and youth of the Town of Yarmouth. In 1976 Bill began as a proud Yarmouth Police Reserve Officer going on to become a full-time Police Officer in 1977.  Bill had an incredible career that covered many positions and responsibilities. Whether assisting members of the Yarmouth Police Department, caring for all public safety personnel through critical incidents or by mentoring Yarmouth’s Youth during his role as the School Resource Officer at the Mattacheese Middle School Bill’s passion was in serving his community.

 

Bill always looked forward to lending a hand and assisting mariners each season. Bill became a welcome and familiar face to many boater’s in and around Nantucket Sound and from across the region. Bill’s boat towing business, Small Craft Tow (aka Tow Boat US Bass River), assisted stranded mariners in Nantucket Sound until 2009 and was a passion Bill shared with his two sons. Bill, John & James and their tow boat, the ever glorious, Victorious, became a welcome and familiar face to many boaters in and around Nantucket Sound and from across the region for over 30 seasons. Bill was a volunteer with IFAW.

 

 He was fiercely loyal to friends, but his family always came first. Bill loved being a husband and a dad. One of Bill’s most humbling attributes was the love and care he provided to his mom and mother-in-law, affectionately called his “Maypo”, in their later years especially when they both became critically ill.   He was there to hold their hands, pray with them, and most of all, comfort them. 

 

 In addition to his wife, Lynne and his sons, James and John, he is survived by his sister, Joan Coughlan of Arlington, MA, aunts, uncles and cousins throughout New England and Hawaii and sisters-In-law and their families of Tiverton, RI and West Barnstable, MA.    He also leaves behind his beloved Golden Retriever, Parker.  He Is predeceased by his parents.

 

Relatives and friends are Invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Chandler Gray Cemetery,

161 Old Mill Way, West Yarmouth, MA 02673.

Godspeed and Rest In Peace Biil

So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by our family. His friendly hello when we met up at the marina with his dog by his side will be a memory of him that will always be treasured!

Just wanted to express my condolences and appreciation for Bill's dedication and service to Yarmouth. Our kids grew up together, and I saw the impact that Billy had on the schools as a resource officer. He's been missed here in Yarmouth

Bill Coughlan was a great man reminiscent of those of the greatest generation. He was all that and more to those who knew and loved him. I first met him and Lynne while working at Captain Parkers and together they are the most cordial people. Bill was a big help with my son at Mattacheese and I was most appreciative for his time and care. Years later he would rescue my husband and I stranded off Chatham. He knew everyone, would always have a kind word when seeing him, and my heart aches for those who loved him. Parting is so hard. “Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

Our sincere condolences to Bills Family and loved ones for your huge loss .God Bless all of you .Matty Shaughnessy and family .

Joan, I’m so very sorry to read of Bill’s death. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Angie