Robert J. Coughlin, “Pickles” as he was so affectionately known to his friends and family, age 84, of Medford, passed away at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital on Thursday morning. Born and raised in Charlestown, (a very proud “Townie”) - he was the son of the late Francis Richard and Margaret Irene (Hannaford) Coughlin. Robert proudly served in the US Army as a paratrooper during the Korean War era and after his military service went to work with the US Post Office as a letter carrier. For many years his route was out of Union Square in Somerville, where he made numerous friends among business owners and local residents. Bob loved his job as a letter carrier and often referred to it as the absolute, perfect job for him….loved walking his route and being out of the office environment. A man of great morals, ethics and values, Robert was a dedicated family man and provided a warm, loving home for his wife and children. In his adulthood, Robert went on to earn a degree from Fisher College in Boston. For the love of his family and friends - Robert and his wife, Mary started and ran a candlepin bowling league for many years – something they both took great pride in - which served, not only in providing enjoyment, but helped in keeping friends and family really close. He enjoyed going out to dinner, loved a good laugh, and always looked forward to spending time with his buddies at Dunkin’ Donuts in Charlestown where he would enjoy reminiscing with his life-long friends. Loved spending time with his Medford pals at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Medford also. The beloved husband of the late Mary D. (McCormack) Coughlin, who passed away in 2008, Robert leaves behind his only daughter, Kerry Coughlin, his sons Stephen (Steve), Joseph (Joe), Frank and Daniel (Danny) Taliaferro. His incredibly warm smile will be sorely missed.
A wonderful, loving grandfather - ” Papa” also leaves behind Courtney Coughlin, Christian and Leah Taliaferro, Valentina and Daniel Taliaferro, Alyssa and Nicole Taliaferro, Lorrin and Andrew Taliaferro
He is survived by the siblings that loved him so much – his brother Frank Coughlin, now in Florida with wife, Kay – his sisters, Patricia (Pat) Jellison now in New Hampshire, Rita Byrd now in North Carolina with her husband Jim and Eileen Welch also in Florida with her husband Jim
Loving siblings also included the late Frances “Dolly” McCarthy and Phyllis Brown
Robert also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews
All services are private.