Richard Coughlin, aged 78, died peacefully in his home in Port St. Lucie on Oct. 19. He was born in New York and enlisted in the Marines at age 17. Before he retired from the Marines, he served as a drill instructor, military police officer, and recruiter. He worked in the employment agency business in New York and spent over 20 years in Death Valley National Park working as a chef with the resorts there. It was in Death Valley that he met his wife, Kari, and started up a 20 acre ranch in nearby Amargosa Valley. He was an avid Dodger and Notre Dame fan. In 2006 the Coughlins moved to Florida. He is survived by his wife, Kari, his daughters Kelly Herst of Brighton, CO and Bridget Nodurft of DeKalb, Illinois and sons Brian Coughlin of Danbury, CT and John Henry Brandes of Orange, CT. In addition to his children he was extremely close to his nieces, Debbie Alvord, Cathy Caparelli, Donna Spano Vestal, Shannon Kiess and nephews Danny and Roger Spano, and Kenneth and Michael Caparelli as well as his brother in law, Frank Caparelli. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Christine Spano and Sandy Caparelli. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home in Stuart, Florida with inurnment at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Care Net, 8432 S. US Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie, FL or Treasure Coast hospice. Arrangements handled by Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematorium.