John C. Coolidge

John C. Coolidge, 85, of Bloomington passed away on July 29, 2013 in Bloomington following a lengthy illness. He was born in New York City on June 10, 1928 the son of George A. and Alice (Davis) Coolidge. He was a graduate of Iona University with a degree in Business Administration and worked for several corporations including Standard Register, Singer, and Honeywell Corp. From inspiration from his mother he held a love of knowledge, developed people skills and held a zest for life. By growing up in the hard knocks era of New York, his father being a New York policeman he helped instill the character traits of persistence, tenacity and devotion to duty that he carried with him throughout life. Following his retirement to Florida in 1975, he and his wife Carolyn began second careers, his being in real estate and appraisals. As well, they became extremely active in the ministries of the Catholic Church, at St. Joseph's in Bradenton, FL and eventually at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Bloomington, IN. Accomplished musicians, they were involved with church choirs, clown ministries for children, as well as serving the elderly. They even were asked to participate in a trip to Rome where they were in a choir that performed for the Pope. He loved to serve his church. John is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Tobin) Coolidge of Bloomington, seven children; Cathy Parker and Lynne Anne Coolidge, both of Long Island, NY, Jennifer Varley of Virginia and Christopher Coolidge of Washington, DC, Caryn (Patrick) McDermott of Tampa, FL, John Stock Gettler of St. Petersburg, FL, and Jan (George) Kreager of Bloomington, IN, seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one sister, Carol Benson of New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter in infancy, Suzanne Coolidge, one sister, Ruth Schickdanz and one brother, George Coolidge. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24th at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Bloomington with Rev. Daniel Mahan officiating. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org. With a twinkle in his eye, his words were marked by wisdom and always genuine and gentle-natured. Unfailing in his commitment to faith and family (pets included), he was a man who found fulfillment in life's simple offerings. A role model who didn't know he was a role model, he epitomized dignity through his final hour.

Tributes

John C. Coolidge

January 1, 1753 - July 29, 2013