Matthew Francis Coughlin, III passed away on March 13, 2024 with his adored wife and children by his side. Matt was born on August 31, 1953, in Bayonne New Jersey to David and Ellen (Flaherty) Coughlin. Growing up in New York, he attended St. Raymond High School in the Bronx, and later graduated from St. John's University. He met the love of his life at the age of 15 and knew from the beginning that he was going to marry her. Matt wed Margaret (Peggy) Shea on June 3, 1978 in New York.
In 1980 Matt's career moved them to Tulsa, OK. Tulsa became home. So much so that when Matt was called to move back to New York in 1997, he decided commuting was the best option and Peggy and their children stayed in Tulsa. Matt was at work in New York City on September 11, 2001. As a Managing Director, Matt called the families of those lost. Those stories stuck with him for a lifetime.
Matt had a 50-year career as an Insurance Broker. He worked for Marsh & McLennan & Frank B. Hall. He specialized in complex risk and developed programs that proved to be well sought after. In 2003, Matt opened the doors of International Insurance Brokers, LLC (IIB). He poured his heart and soul into IIB and made it a business to be proud of. One of his happy places was on the 33rd floor of the Midcontinent Tower overlooking the river. In 2023 he sold the family business, but his insurance legacy lives on with his eldest daughter and son-in-laws.
Matt's vast knowledge and natural charisma made him the perfect fit for many boards and organizations. He was proud to serve on the Catholic Foundation, Midwest Augustinian Advancement Council, Cascia Hall School Board, Tulsa Ballet, Bayonne Board of Education, Gatesway Foundation, Kiwanis Club, and more.
Matt's faith was undying. He attended daily mass and breakfast at Queenies with "The Breakfast Group". God and prayer were an important part of his life and he instilled these cherished values in each of his children and grandchildren. He was a proud member of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights of Columbus, and was an Augustinian Affiliate.
Matt loved his family fiercely. He loved his three daughters unconditionally. He was a proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Cappy" or "Da". He loved his son-in-laws as if they were his own. He was a loyal and loving husband to Peggy for 46 years. There is no love story better than theirs.
Matt held many passions outside of work. You could find him on a golf course on most weekends. Having once owned a mechanic shop, he enjoyed classic cars and was awaiting the arrival of his dream "hell cat". He enjoyed traveling to Marco Island not only because of the beautiful scenery but also because of the community of people he was with. He loved gathering with friends and family; hosting the annual St. Patrick's Day party was a highlight every year. He loved to learn about and build computers. Anything that required complex thinking and was a challenge, he enjoyed taking it on!
Matt's life was full of faith, love, laughter, hard work, and celebration. It was a spectacular life. And to Matt... it was A Charmed Life.
Matt is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter Caroline Sniff (Collin); daughter Maureen Sherry (Philip); daughter Margaret Reimann (Brian); grandchildren Nolan, Declan, Annie, Keller, Redmond, Robert, Frederick, and Lucy; and his sister Catherine Papot. Matt is preceded in death by his parents, David C. Coughlin and Ellen F. (Flaherty) Coughlin, along with his brother, David C. Coughlin, Jr. (Lorraine), and brother-in-law Thomas J. Daly (Patricia).
Friends can honor Matt's memory with contributions to Cascia Hall, Catholic Charities, and The Tulsa Ballet. Flowers can also be sent to Fitzgerald Funeral Home at 1402 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119.
Viewing, from 2:00 until 4:00 pm, and Rosary at 7:00 pm, will be at St. Rita Chapel at Cascia Hall, on Monday, March 18th. Funeral Mass will be at Holy Family Cathedral, Tuesday, March 19th, 10:00 am.
To view the live stream of Matt's funeral, please visit Holy Family Cathedral and Classical School at
https://www.facebook.com/holyfamilycathedral?mibextid=PtKPJ9
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Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151