John G. Coulter

John G. Coulter of Hollis, New Hampshire, formerly of Reading, Massachusetts passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 ending his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is 85 years of age.

Born on Wednesday, March 12, 1941 in Boston, John spent his youth with his cousins and extended family in Somerville, MA. John is the loving son of the late Alexander Coulter and Jane (Fahey) Coulter. John is a loving and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend whose life touched many over the years.

Family meant the world to John. He was devoted to his wife, Bridie, for 66 years. He also leaves behind his beloved daughter, whose shared love and devotion to family reflected the values he held most dear.

John had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. He shared that passion with his sons, spending countless hours together casting lines and creating lasting memories. He passed on the art and joy of the outdoors not only to his family, but also to future generations and many of their friends.

A lifelong learner, John was an enthusiastic reader with a strong interest for history and a love for all things Scottish. Professionally, he was a highly skilled tool and die maker and was self-employed for many years before charting a new course in life by attending Maine Maritime Academy.

Following this bold transition, John spent the next decade in Alaska serving in the Merchant Marines, where he earned the affectionate nickname “Sea Daddy”—a title fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is the beloved husband of Bridget (Kealy) Coulter. He is the devoted father of John P. Coulter and his wife Andrea, Joanne Coulter Snyder and her husband Skip and Robert A. Coulter and his wife Sloan. The cherished grandfather of Ian Coulter, Jake Coulter, Isabelle Perigny and her husband Alex, Ryan Snyder and his wife Chelsea, Katherine Snyder, Rowan Snyder, and Keegan Coulter and Kealy Coulter, John is the dear brother of Mary Daly and her late husband Al, William “Willy” Coulter, Janie Passerini and her late husband Ron and the late Alexander Coulter and his surviving wife Judy. He is lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with John’s Family on Sunday, May 31st from 11am – 1pm in the Barile – Cota Family Funeral Home, 335 Park Street, (corner of Park Street & RT 28), North Reading at Reading line.

Following the gathering please join the family to continue to celebrate John’s life at the Bear Hill Country Club, Stoneham, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in John’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation by referring to the link below.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome