Tributes pour in for Ted Coghlin, one of Worcester's 'true heroes'
Ted Coghlin and his daughter, Susan Mailman, in 2012.
(Updated Friday at 3:30 p.m.)
Edwin B. “Ted” Coghlin, the long-time president of Coghlin Electrical Contractors of Worcester and a major force in the resurgence of Worcester Technical High School, is being lauded and remembered for his contributions to the community where he grew up and attended college.
Mr. Coghlin died Wednesday at the age of 79. He was pronounced dead at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after a fall at his home in Shrewsbury, the Telegram & Gazette reported.
His accomplishments won praise in life and death from many in the community, as well as President Obama, who lauded Mr. Coghlin six months ago when the president delivered the Worcester Tech commencement address at the DCU Center.
"Ted is known as 'the godfather' of Worcester Tech, because about 10 years ago he set out to make this school what he knew it could be -- a place where businesses train new workers, and young people get the keys to a brighter future," Obama said.
Mr. Coghlin was a key player in fundraising for the construction of the current school on Skyline Drive, a $100-million project. He also helped establish the school's state-of-the-art training facility, known as the Coghlin Construction Technology Academy.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and City Manager Edward Augustus called Mr. Coghlin “one of Worcester’s true heroes – the kind of businessman, philanthropist, and community leader that sets the standard for the rest of us to try and follow. Nearly every important cause or effort in the city owes a debt of gratitude to Ted Coghlin – and many much more than that.”
"Ted Coghlin embodied community service, and today Worcester is a much brighter place because of it," the statement read.
On his Twitter account, Timothy Murray, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, called Mr. Coghlin “a giant” for vocational and technical education, as well as mentoring young people.
“Though a giant among us, he was also such fun, lighting up any personal conversation, work group or gathering with his energy and wonderful humor,” read a tribute on the web site of Dirsa-Morin Funeral Home of Worcester, which is handling funeral arrangements.
The flags at Worcester Tech were lowered to half-staff Thursday in Mr. Coghlin’s honor. On Friday, about 700 business leaders observed a moment of silence in his honor at the chamber of commerce's 139th annual meeting, held at the DCU Center.
In 2012, Coghlin Electric was honored as one of six “family business award” winners by the WBJ. In profiling the company, now run by his daughter, Susan Mailman, Mr. Coghlin and his family were commended for their community work.
"I think it's part of their DNA," David Forsberg, past president of the Worcester Business Development Corp. and now dean of the business school at Anna Maria College, said at the time in the article on the company.
"Frankly, they're everywhere. I can't think of an important cause or organization that at one stage or another hasn't had very active and important support from the Coghlin family."
"When they get involved, they really get involved. You can see them throughout the whole life of the city."
In that same article, Mailman expressed a pride in this reputation built by her father and grandfather. "I like what this family name means in the city."
Mr. Coghlin, who was treasurer at Coghlin Electric at the time of his death, said in 2012 that he enjoyed watching his daughter's progress. "I'm extremely proud of the responsibility Susan has taken not only in running and operating a good family business, but in giving her time and talent to the betterment of the city," he said.
Mailman, who also chairs the chamber of commerce board, said that success wouldn't have been possible without the solid base built upon by her father. "He did a great job passing on the family business," she said. "He's always been there as a resource."
Funeral Monday, calling hours Sunday
Mr. Coghlin's funeral Mass will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shrewsbury. Calling hours will be Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at St. John's High School, also in Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Skyline Technical Fund c/o Worcester Technical High School, 1 Skyline Dr, Worcester, MA 01609 or to Mohegan Council Boys Scouts of America Attn: The Ted Coghlin Fund, 19 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609.
Dirsa-Morin Funeral Home of Worcester is in charge of funeral arrangements. Click here for more information.
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