ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP MODIFIED) — Siena College President Brother F. Edward Coughlin has died following complications from heart surgery.
The upstate New York college says the 71-year-old Franciscan experienced a catastrophic stroke last week while undergoing scheduled surgery for a congenital heart defect in Rochester. He died Tuesday.
Known as Brother Ed around the Loudonville campus, Coughlin had announced last month that he planned to step down as Siena's president next summer when his contract expired. He was appointed president of the private college in 2014.
Siena's vice president for academic affairs, Margaret Madden, will serve as interim president.
“This is such a profoundly sad day, not only for the Siena and St. Bonaventure families, but for the entire brotherhood of Franciscan friars,” said St. Bonaventure President Dr. Dennis R. DePerro. “Br. Ed was a mentor, a tremendous friend and colleague to lean on, both for advice and support, in my time here as president. Beyond that, he was simply a remarkable human being, a wise and gentle spirit who lived each day the Franciscan ideals that make institutions like St. Bonaventure and Siena so special."
Coughlin was a Buffalo native who attended St. Bonaventure University and later worked there as a professor and administrator.
Sen. Charles Schumer tweeted that he was saddened by Coughlin's passing.
I’m saddened by the tragic passing of Brother Ed. I’m praying for @SienaCollege and for everyone who knew and loved him. https://t.co/6ijTrldHRV
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 30, 2019
A wake will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the St. Bonaventure University Chapel. A vigil wake service will follow at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
A funeral service will take place Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the university chapel.
