Dr. Coogan

Dr. Michael James Coogan, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away at 12:50 on the afternoon of September 11, 2017.

He was an esteemed and well-respected pediatrician who loved and cared for several generations of children in the area. Born in New Orleans on September 17, 1947, he was a proud alumnus of Jesuit High School, Class of 1965, where he lettered in swimming while mentoring the young swimmers of Airline Park in Metairie. He continued his education at UNO and LSU Medical School, completing his residency at Charity Hospital. After spending a year as a country doctor in Opelousas, he moved to the capital in 1977 to establish the practice that would become Drs. Coogan, Michalik, Sessions, Drumm, and Melton, an institution that thrived for 32 years. Their dedicated work was also instrumental in the establishment of the first neo-natal unit in the city, at Woman's Hospital, where he was honored to serve in several capacities over the years, including as the Chair of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Development Council, which envisioned a new site for the hospital and with it, a new era of healing. A lifelong and passionate teacher, he aided in developing the Pediatric Academic Clinic at Our Lady of the Lake. His tireless work ethic led him to spend his "retirement" as a medical consultant when he wasn't spending time with his family, particularly his loving wife of 47 years, or imparting his wry sense of humor, love of wordplay, and jovial personality to all that knew him.

A lover and student of our national pastime (and huge New York Yankees fan), he was a charter member of the LSU Baseball Coaches' Committee, and former president of the Baton Rouge Kids' Baseball Clinic. There was no bigger enthusiast of Otis Redding or classic New Orleans R&B, and he was a deep listener and appreciator of all music. He also had a finely-tuned sense of justice and very sharp eye for details (particularly grammatical ones!). It is no surprise then that his three children, whom he adored, went on to successful careers in law, baseball, business, and music. A loyal patriot, he was extremely proud that his father and his father's brothers all served in WWII, and as the oldest of 39 cousins, so proud to be a Coogan.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah McCarthy Coogan; his children, Megan Coogan Foco and husband Phillip Foco, Patrick Michael Coogan and wife Brooke Bramlett Coogan, and Brian Joseph Coogan; grandchildren Michael Patrick Coogan, Eleanor Shaw Foco, Anna Coogan Foco, Matthew Patrick Coogan, and Bram Stevens Coogan; sisters Ann Coogan Henry, Patricia Coogan Lambert, and Maureen Coogan Quinlan.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley James Coogan and Margaret Ann Parr Coogan; and his brother, Kevin John Coogan.

Visitation will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart Ave. Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 9:00am until Mass at 12:00pm, and children are welcome. Private Inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Michael J. Coogan ‘65 Scholarship at Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans LA 70119, and donations can be made to Catholic High School, 855 Hearthstone Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 in his name.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the General Hospital for the exceptional care they gave him.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

And what he would say to his patients after a successful visit to the doctor, we now say as a community to him: "You did a very good job."

Visitation

St. Aloysius Catholic Church
2025 Stuart Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA  70808
Saturday, September 16, 2017
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Service

St. Aloysius Catholic Church
2025 Stuart Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA  70808
Saturday, September 16, 2017
12:00 pm