20 December, 1986 (~estimated)

Walter L. Coan, 82, of 22 Charlton Street, died December 31 at Princeton Medical Center.

Mr. Coan was born in Princeton and was a lifelong resident. He retired in 1966 after 44 years a carpenter with the Carpenter’s Local No. 781 of Princeton.

Active in civic affairs, Mr. n was one of the founders of Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad and a former president of the Democratic Club. A guiding force in the Princeton Senior Citizens Club, he was also instrumental in the establishment of a senior citizens’ center in the former Miss Fine’s School gym behind Borough Hall. He helped obtain funding for the center and at his urging, various local unions volunteered to rehabilitate the building.

Mr. Coan was a member of Engine Company No. 1 of the Princeton Fire Department for more than 55 years. He was also a member of the Rod and Gun Club.

Surviving are his wife, Helene Rittman Coan; a daughter, Barbara Hagadorn of Trenton; a brother, Wilson J. Coan of Princeton; two sisters, Mary Feeney of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Theresa De Vincent’s of West Orange; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The service was private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, PO Box 529, Princeton 08540.