Horace O. Coolidge

PETERSHAM - Horace O. Coolidge, Jr., 85 of 84 Nichewaug Road, Petersham, died Saturday, January 16, 2010 in the Brigham And Women's Hospital, Boston. He was born in Petersham, on June 24, 1924, the son of the late Horace O. and the late Ruth (Amsden) Coolidge. Mr. Coolidge grew up in Petersham and graduated from Petersham High School with the Class of 1942. He was attending Northeastern University when he entered the service during World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and earned a certificate in topographical cartography from Franklin Technical Institute before deploying to Europe. He joined the 9th Engineer Command and served in England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. Upon returning from the service he returned to Northeastern University and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating with honors in 1951. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma Honor Societies for excellence in engineering. Mr. Coolidge was employed at the Rodney Hunt Company for 35 years as a Mechanical Engineer, he retired in 1987. He was a charter member of the Petersham American Legion Post 415, a member of the First Congregational Parish Unitarian church, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a Licensed Professional Engineer. Mr. Coolidge's service to his church included work on the Parish, Finance, Canvas, and Buildings and Grounds committees. He worked on many projects including ministerial searches, and the annual Levee. He was active on numerous town committees including the Finance Committee, Planning Board, Town Hall Building Committee and was a Corporator of the Petersham Memorial Library. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Doris N. (Nelson) Coolidge; one son, Curtis A. Coolidge and his wife Katherine K. of Belchertown, MA; five grandchildren, Carter A. Coolidge of Golden, CO; Collin J. Coolidge of Boulder, CO; Joseph T. Coolidge of Tulare, CA; Louis C. Coolidge of Clovis, CA; Karen M. Coolidge of Fresno, CA; one great grandchild, Fiona L. Coolidge; and one daughter in-law, Christina L. Coolidge of Fresno, CA. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan M. Coolidge who died in 1976, by his son, John C. Coolidge who died in 2003, and by his brother, Albert A. Coolidge who died in 2004. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:00 am in the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian Church, On The Common, Petersham. Burial will follow in East Street Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 29, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main Street, Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Petersham Memorial Library, 23 Common Street or to the Petersham Historical Society, PO Box 364, Petersham, MA 01366. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Fiske Funeral Home 1356 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });