http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

01 March 2009

Obituary of Martin Phelan Coogan (AKA Brother Francis Patrick)
(extracted from "?", 07 DEC 1971):


December 7

Brother Francis Patrick
Martin Phelan Coogan
1884 - 1971

Brother Patrick was born at Ballyragget, Kilkenny, Ireland on 
March 19, 1884. He arrived from Ireland with what was called "The 
Irish Crowd", there were so many of them who arrived at Ammendale 
on March 1, 1898 -- some for the Juniorate and older ones for the 
Senior Novitiate.

On August 15, 1900, Patrick was advanced from the Juniorate to 
the Senior Novitiate. He received the holy Habit on September 8 of 
the same year.

To give his complete tour of duty would require a vary lengthy 
manuscript. He was during his entire life what one would call a 
"trouble-shooter".  When the Superior needed a man be was certain 
that Patrick would be on his way to the new appointment at a word.

He was in Eddington three times; in Ammendale six times- once as 
Sub-Director of the Novitiate and once as teacher in the Juniorate. 
He was in the Protectory, Pa. three times.  The Parochial schools 
in Philadelphia had him in St. Agatha's, the Cathedral, twice; St. 
Elizabeth's, Most Precious Blood and Saint Vincent's.

Others saw him at West Catholic, twice where he did a remarkable 
job, not only as teacher but as a helper in the Laundry while doing 
work on a number of literary projects. He was stationed at La Salle 
College four times and was one of those who in the early days at 
20th. & Olney Ave, was really one of those who eventually made La 
Salle a success. Other assignments were in Belmead, Va., Augusta, 
Ga., Rock Hill College, Md., Cumberland, Md., Central Catholic 
Pittsburgh, Pa. three times; De la Salle, Washington, D.C.,
Scranton, Pa. and Drexmore House in Philadelphia.

Numerous physical troubles caused his retirement to Ammendale, but 
he kept himself very busy at various tasks inside and outside the 
house. He didn't have a lazy bone in his body. When the Holy Family 
Community was sent to the Villa of Divine Providence in Lansdale, 
Pa. in 1970 Brother Patrick went with them. He died there on 
December 7, 1971 at the age of 87. He had [been] a valuable member 
of the Congregation for 71 years. 

Brother had the Gift of versification in a high degree and had one 
book of spiritual verses published. He also "edited" some 
meditations for Christian Teachers.  He was either reading hooks, 
going over the records in the Archives or writing or sorting his 
verses. Many Catholic magazines published many of his Spiritual 
verses. His greatest affliction was a partial loss of sight but he 
accepted all as the will of Ood.

He was regular, very obedient and always a hard worker. He had a 
keen sense of humor and although corney at times he kept the 
community in good humor. He was vary intelligent and loved to talk 
when he could get an ear to listen to him.

His body is buried in Ammendale.