Howard J. Coolbaugh

Howard J. Coolbaugh, 81, of Franklin Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 9, at Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA.

Born in Harding, he was the son of the late Arthur Giles and Gertrude (Demming) Coolbaugh. He was educated in the Dallas School District and enlisted in the United States Army.

Howard was a member of Dymond Hollow Methodist Church. He was a Co-owner and operator of AG Coolbaugh & Sons, until he retired. Howard was also a member of the Moose Lodge 1276, Tunkhannock and during the winter months he was active at Moose Lodge 813, Ruskin, FL.

Howard was proud of so many things in his life, but one of his most loved places to spend time with family and friends was the hunting cabin. He spent many hours telling stories about the cabin that he and his brothers built. His love for the outdoors showed in the endless hours spent hunting, fishing, taking care of his flowers, but mostly gardening and canning with his wife and grandson. His love for entertaining was known by many and no party was complete, whether in PA or FL, without his famous fish fry. He had an incredible love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and found a way to teach them in so many ways about life and instilled in them his strong work ethic. He made sure they understood his famous saying, to soothe any injury “No blood, No pain”. Although Howard accomplished many things in his life, the partnership that he shared with his wife Mary was by far the greatest.

In addition to his parents Howard was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Trojanowicz, his Sisters-in-law Rosemary Coolbaugh, Betty Jeanne Coolbaugh, Pearl Murphy, and Jean Caruso, Brothers-in-law William Thompson, Martin Murphy, John Murphy, Frank Trojanowicz and grandson David Nicholson.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years Mary Murphy Coolbaugh, his sister Audrey Thompson Rockwaway, NJ, his brothers Ron Coolbaugh (Marge) Franklin Twp., Bill Coolbaugh, Franklin Twp., Perry Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, Art Coolbaugh (Pat) Franklin Twp., and his children; Howard J. Coolbaugh, Jr. of Falls, Melissa Yankovich (Jim) Sweet Valley, Lisa Mielo (Dan) Bluffton, SC, Tony Grandinette Franklin Twp., Linda Dymond and Perry Coolbaugh Franklin Twp., Frank Grandinette (Sonia) Haines City, FL, Patricia Dymond and Jamie Scripkunas of Falls, Marylyn Keiper of Nicholson, and Karen Ritsick (Randy) Swoyersville. He will be missed by his 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends. He will be missed and thought of often by everyone whose lives he touched, and he will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Howard’s life is currently being planned by the family and will be announced in the near future.

Services are entrusted to Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home, Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming.