Vincent William “Vinnie” Coulehan, 80, of Lenox, passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, surrounded by those he loved most.
Born in Pittsburgh, Penn., on July 24, 1944, to Marcella and Morris Coulehan, Vinnie was best known for his kindness, quick wit, and deep devotion to family and friends. He was a peacemaker, a problem solver, and a man of questionable humor. Standing six feet, seven inches tall, he was a handsome guy, an avid gardener, expert Scrabble player, and loved nothing more than to sit by the fireplace with his wife and watch golf on the weekends, or a Pittsburgh Steelers game — but they better win.
For someone of such stature, his gentleness was remarkable — a true testament to nature at its finest. Vinnie had a way of making time spent together feel effortless, weaving humor and irony into everyday conversation. His children and grandchildren grew up expecting a handful of coins or, even better, a few dollar bills to be deposited into their hands on the way out the door. An unspoken message of love.
Vinnie dedicated over 40 years to social work in Berkshire County after moving to Lenox in 1976. His work, marked by creativity, determination, and an unwavering sense of justice, touched thousands of children and families. He instilled in his two daughters the importance of helping others, and each, in turn, developed a deep commitment to social justice.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Robin, with whom love was easy. Together, they shared not just a passion for helping others but a life filled with laughter, warmth, and purpose. Vinny leaves a clan of Coulehans residing in our beloved Berkshires, as well as family through marriage in Rhode Island, and siblings in Pennsylvania and Virginia: Kate Elizabeth Coulehan, Sammye Jane Keeling (Coulehan), Austin Keeling, Oliver Vincent Keeling, Erin Gaul, Rob Graziosa, Casiel Parello, Seamus Graziosa, Ben Gaul, Katie Lynn Gaul, Kieran Gaul, Emmett Gaul, brother Jim Coulehan and his wife Pat Coulehan, sister Christine Storch, and their beautiful children and grandchildren. He also leaves his brother in spirit (and height), Ned Minifie.
Vinnie believed in saying yes whenever he could. He taught us all that kindness is a quiet strength, that humor is a language of love, and that being a good man is the greatest legacy of all.
Visiting hours for Vinnie will be Saturday, February 22, from 12 to 2 p.m., at the Roche Funeral Home in Lenox. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.
