William Coughlan Obituary

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked in the Executive Office at APTA with Bill, and he was a wonderful boss! I'm just grateful cell phones weren't the big deal then! LoL. He definitely was filled with high energy and kept me busy entering his latest notations and ideas. He was very caring and always gave roses to each APTA staff woman on Valentine's day. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to Bill's family.

Our sympathies to Bill Coughlan´s family. Bill´s dad, Tom, was my uncle and godfather, and his mom Mildred was my godmother. I fondly remember visits with the band of 4 brothers, Bill, Terry, TJ and Dick, my only Coughlan cousins. Always an uplifting, kind and fun-loving family. Rest in peace.
Ellen Coughlan Floriani, Bill's first cousin.

Condolences to Bill´s family - I am Bill´s first cousin (Bill´s dad, Tom Coughlan, and my dad, John Coughlan, were brothers.
With sympathy - Anne Coughlan (El Granada, CA).

I knew Bill through the American Society of Association Executives FELLOWS group. While there are many Fellows I don't remember well I remember Bill well, and fondly. He became a fellow in 1987 and I become a fellow in 1992. Bill was always warm, gracious, genuine and inclusive. There was nothing pretentious about Bill. May he rest in peace with a golden legacy of family, career, and community impact.

I went to work for APTA in 1992 as a 20-something staff member, under Bill's leadership. I had never met a CEO like him...he was always encouraging to staff, and full of energy, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas. He never stopped moving...our fond nickname for him was "The Tasmanian Devil." His smile and energy were infectious. I specifically remember how proud he was of his kids and family. I'm forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me, the staff he put in place and molded to make APTA a wonderful place, and for all the encouragement he gave to us. What a wonderful legacy. I hope that brings his family a smile.

I worked at APTA for Bill and remember the young 40 something CEO leading us. Seems like yesterday. He was well liked by staff and I enjoyed working for the organization during his tenure. May he rest in peace. All my best to the family.

Condolences to the Coughlan Family on this loss. Bill hired me to be CFO at APTA in 1990 upon my retirement from the USAF. He was very supportive during the three years that I worked with him....so enthusiastic in everything he did. Was so dedicated to professional development & ASAE. We stayed in touch...attended my retirement 18 yrs after hiring me!
RIP, Bill...your legacy rests with Family, colleagues, and the multitude of students you taught & coached. Chuck Martin, CAE(r)

Just listened, again, to a 2018 Christmas voicemail from my Uncle Bill. Yes, he was encouraging - effectively so in his well-spoken, thoughtful, and personal manner. His brother (my Dad) had died but five days before, yet Uncle Bill found it in himself to make the call, and he found a way to encourage me. From other encounters, I can still hear his voice encouraging me in my career - I don´t need a recording to vividly remember his enthusiasm and how each conversation with him nudged me to my higher nature.
My prayers are with you.