EPCAMR to Honor “Abe” Coolbaugh with Stream Restoration Dedication in Summer 2013 within the Solomon Creek Watershed

The South Wilkes-Barre “Mini-Mohawks” Football Program worked with EPCAMR to set aside their donation of $300.00 into a restricted reserve fund in his name to be used towards stream restoration projects in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area. The EPCAMR Executive Director was once a former volunteer Football Coach with Mr.  Coolbaugh’s son, Rick, and is considered a very close friend. In fact, the EPCAMR Executive Director considers, not only Rick his friend, but the entire S. Wilkes-Barre “Mini-Mohawks” his extended family.  Robert E. Hughes, known as Bobby, to all of his Mohawk friends, has committed to the placement of a small plaque at the site of one of our anticipated Summer stream restoration projects in the Solomon Creek Watershed that will be visible to the public and will invite the family to the site for a ceremonial dedication when the time is right.

Bobby goes on to say, “I was saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Rick’s father from my dear friends Tom and Pam Middleton, who belong to the S. Wilkes-Barre Mini Mohawks Football Program. When asked if there were any conservation related groups in the area that they might be able to donate to in lieu of flowers, I provided them with a list of very reputable organizations, and they chose EPCAMR, instead. We are honored. I made a commitment to doing something with conservation in mind, because Abe was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Knowing that we have a few stream restoration projects coming up in the Wilkes-Barre Area on Solomon Creek, and seeing that the Coolbaugh family was originally from the Wilkes-Barre area, I was sure that I could do a small project in his honor for Rick and the rest of his family that I am sure that he would appreciate. Our projects will be improving the trout fishery in the Solomon Creek with fishery habitat improvement projects and improving some of the flooding and sedimentation issues that plague the watershed. I think Abe would proud of the S. Wilkes-Barre Mini Mohawks Football Program. I know I am!”

Mr. Abraham Diamond Coolbaugh, age 77, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully recently at his home in Athens, Pa., surrounded by his family. He was born May 27, 1935 in Wyoming, a son of the late Wilbur and Mary Vandermark Coolbaugh.
He was a Korean War veteran and had earned three medals of honor. Abe was self-employed as a painter and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Joanne, with whom he enjoyed traveling across country together and spending time with their grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Wilbur and three infant children.
He is survived by son Robert and his wife, Teresa, with whom he resided; son Richard and his wife, Molly; daughter Lee Klemash and her husband, Andrew; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and his siblings Emmit, John, Irvin, Jimmy and Florence.