John Daniel Coonahan, Jr.

John Daniel Coonahan, Jr. (Jack), 86, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late John D. and Ruth Coonahan.

Jack attended Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Education and later earned a master’s degree in Counseling from Villanova University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard.

On August 6, 1994, Jack married Barbara Jeanne Schultz at the Franklin and Marshall College Chapel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jack dedicated 30 years of his career to serving as a guidance counselor for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit #23 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was also a proud member of the Pottsgrove School District Board in Pennsylvania and a member of the Villanova Alumni Association. While living in Philadelphia, he frequently attended Roman Catholic Communion Breakfasts.

Upon retirement, Jack and Barbara became snowbirds, spending their winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida, and their summers in the Laurel Highlands of Somerset, PA. They frequently traveled to Chautauqua, NY; Arlington, VA; and Long Beach Island, NJ, to spend time with family.

Jack and Barbara enjoyed playing bocce, bowling, attending Melbourne Municipal Band concerts, and watching all sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Jack especially loved discussing the games with his many friends at Glenbrooke Senior Living.

Jack and Barbara were active members of the Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach for the past 15 years. Jack was a devoted and kind husband, a dedicated father and grandfather, lovingly known as “Pop,” and a loyal brother. He was always willing to help and support his family, and his kindness and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Ruth Coonahan.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara Jeanne Coonahan; daughter, Cynthia Jasper Vitters of Arlington, Virginia; grandchildren, William Noble Vitters and Anagrace Virginia Vitters; siblings, Marie Coonahan, Ruthanne Coonahan, and the Honorable Patricia E. Coonahan of Skippack, PA; brother-in-law, James W. Schultz; sister-in-law, Sandy Schultz of Bonita Springs, FL; nephew, James W. Schultz, Jr. of Sarasota, FL; and niece, Ginger Lerner of Long Branch, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601; or to the Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach, 500 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach, 500 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, with Pastor John J. Secret officiating.