"Steve was my first track coach and the reason I run to this day. He taught me how to push myself, to be a team player, and to have fun. Steve made practice enjoyable and I'll never forget how he would have us run down to the beach and bring back a shell as proof that we had done our full workout. I was thrilled to be able to reconnect with him over the phone 2 years ago after all these years (I was a student at Gaudet Middle School in 1980). The world has lost a wonderful coach and friend."
In loving memory of
Stephen James Paul Croughan
April 30, 1951 - September 2, 2019
Stephen J.P. Croughan, Jr., of 47 Dudley Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, passed away at the age of 68 on September 2, 2019, with his loving family by his side.Stephen was born in Newport, RI to the late Stephen J. Croughan, Sr. and the late Mary (Harrigan) Croughan.Mr. Croughan attended De LaSalle Academy, followed by the University of Rhode Island and taught in the Middletown School system for 30 years. He dedicated his life to teaching and coaching the youth of Middletown.Stephen is survived by his sisters, Maureen Sullivan and Susan Walker, and brother William M. Croughan.Calling hours will be held Sunday, September 8, 2019, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Croughan will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019, at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church, at Mann Avenue and Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery at 465 Brown's Lane in Middletown.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Middletown High School Athletic Boosters, 130 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.
Tributes
"To the Croughan Family,Very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I remember him fondly from Middletown High School and enjoyed watching him coach so many kids in Middletown over the years including my own. He was one of the kindest and decent human beings I ever met.Rich CunninghamEugene OregonMHS Class of 76"
"My condolences to the Croughan family on Steve's passing. His involvement in the community was island-wide and he will be sorely missed."
"ON BEHALF OF THE MURPHY FAMILY OF FIFTH WARD SQUARE, CONDOLENCES BILL AND ALL THE FAMILY ON THE DEATH OF STEPHEN. BILL, YOU WERE AS GENEROUS AS YOUR BROTHER IN YOUR LINE OF WORK. MAY GOD HOLD STEVE AND ALL THE CROUGHAN-HARRIGAN FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"I owe so much to Mr. Croughan. He knew I really did not like running, but he saw that I was perfect to be the manager of the girl's track team in the early 80's. He taught me how to time events, record keeping and how to treat our opponents with respect. I cannot count the number of times that opposing coaches deferred to him because he was so respected.I asked him once, after taping an injured opponent's leg: Why do you do that? What if she wins now? He smiled and laughed, then answered "Why not?" "She deserves the chance to run her best, and maybe I just gave her that chance. But most importantly, I just taught both of you a bigger lesson: kindness matters, respect is earned and winning isn't everything, being nice is more important."Thank you, Mr. C."
"The Croughans Of Middleton Avenue send our prayers from to your family. It is a shame our families were not connected, It is clear that Steve was a wonderful person."
"It was with shock and sadness that I heard of the passing of my lifelong friend Steve (boot )Croughan. he got the nickname "boot" while we were students at URI and playing pick up basketball down at Keaney Gym.Even though I had to listen to his lame jokes and boisterous laugh I loved Steve like a brother. We shared some outrageous times together. To his family Billy C., Maureen and Susan I express my deepest condolences. To you Boota RIP and until we meet again, See Yaa!!!!!!!"
"Steve or "Croughs" as he was known to his friends, was a warm, caring, person who would give the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone else. He had a great sense of humor and he always would make you laugh. He was dedicated to his students and to all the student-athletes who he coached over the decades. Croughs was one of my oldest and dearest friends and I will miss him."
"An United was ordered on September 6, 2019"
"Deepest Sympathies to Steve's family. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed."
"A Shades of Purples, Lavenders and Pinks was ordered on September 6, 2019"
"My sincere condolences. He was a great guy and alway had a smile for everyone."
"A Thoughtful was ordered on September 6, 2019"
"My condolences to Steve's Family! I knew Steve through his coaching and humor .Too soon to be taken!! Rest in peace!"
"Steve was a life long friend of my brother Rick , couldnt find a more compassionate and giving man . We were truly blessed to have known him. "
"Thank you for 40 plus years of fond memories and friendship. You will be greatly missed. Sincerest condolences to Steves family and friends."
"A Reflection was ordered on September 5, 2019"
"One of the most incredible people to ever enter my life. He was always there for me - even traveling to California for my wedding. Our last conversation was a heartfelt one and I'm so grateful that time and circumstance allowed those moments. He will be missed by so many but the memory of him will be kept alive through all of our stories... maybe even an annual relay event or something of the sort?"
"All of Aquidneck Island has lost a friend"
"Steve will be missed...he was so looking forward to our 50th HS reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"To so many of us, including to myself, Steve was just the very best kind of a friend. He was kind, charitable, funny, honest as a person could be. As a fellow track and field/cross country coach, I respected Steve for how he conducted himself as a coach and mentor. He was extraordinarily supportive of the student-athletes that he coached and helped along their scholastic and athletic life, well into and following their collegiate experience. He really made a difference in peoples lives! My sincere condolences to his family. Dave Bender, Newport"
"He was a great teacher and a good friend hell be missed but not forgotten Im sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with the family"
"Steve Croughan was part of our Aquidneck Club Family, in Portsmouth, R.I. Steve was such a faithful, loyal, hardworking employee. He always went above and beyond to assist all the members, the new staff in golf operations and yes, even the old timers inside the clubhouse. Steve and Steve Healy loved to travel down memory lane of their teaching days in Middletown School System. The stories were hilarious, they had a great run. We will miss Steve so much at the club. The bag drop, the range, the 1st T, starters, we will look for signs of Steve and forever hold him in our prayers and thoughts. We will remember the good times. Please accept our deepest condolences from all the Member and Employees of The Aquidneck Club- Jeanne Murray"
"Steve was such a great guy. Back in the early 90s, he gave my self contained Sp Ed student, Kim, a chance to excel in his 7th gr. science class. I will miss his smile and friendly disposition running into him at BJs. A great loss, Steve will be greatly missed."
"I'm so sad to hear about Steve Croughan's passing... he was my science teacher at J. H. Gaudet Middle School and my cross-country coach at Middletown High School... a tough teacher, but always fair with a funny sense of humor. He left an impact on me and will certainly be missed."
"I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Croughan's passing. He was my Science teacher in middle school and I used to volunteer for him at track and field events. He was a great teacher and he was so unbelievably dedicated to the youth of Middletown. I am so saddened by this tragic loss."