John M. Coulter, 54, of Lee, passed away Saturday, Oct. 21. A life-long advocate of learning and teaching, he is remembered as loving, humorous and kind – a son, brother, husband, father and friend, and a mentor to hundreds of students over his three-plus decades of teaching.
Born in Pittsfield, John graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1981. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in accounting, all with highest honors. For the past 20 years, he pursued his passion of teaching and mentoring students from all walks of life at Western New England University, where he was recently appointed associate dean of the College of Business. In 2005 he became a CPA, earning the designation’s highest exam score in Massachusetts that year. He traveled all over the country presenting on higher education topics, connecting with his peers and tirelessly working to improve business education for students everywhere.
His boundlessly inquisitive nature left no question unanswered and no problem unsolved. His love of learning extended far beyond the classroom and his varied interests included music of all genres, the Red Sox, animals (especially his “grandcat” Boodles and his beloved cat Tasha), chess, cooking, golf, travel, reading, and Eastern philosophy. He proudly volunteered as president of the condominium association in South Wellfleet where he and his wife and daughter enjoyed countless vacations at their second home.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Lee; his daughter, Heather, and son-in-law, Jonathan Kemp, of Holliston; his parents Jim and Ellen Coulter of Pittsfield; his brother, Bob Coulter, of Kirkwood, Missouri; his uncle and aunt Thomas and Patricia Coulter of Pittsfield; his uncle and aunt Maurice and Jean Lafleur of Punta Gorda, Florida; his father-in-law, Jack Wright of Pittsfield; and many cousins.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee Friday, Oct. 27. A celebration of life will be held at Greenock Country Club Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Western New England University for the John M. Coulter Excellence in Accounting Award or to Berkshire Humane Society in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. To send a donation, leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
