Edward "Ted" Coughlin Lovely, age 88, of Trumbull, Connecticut, beloved husband of Nancy Michalka Lovely, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. A lifelong area resident, Ted was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School (Fairfield, CT), where he was a member of the basketball team and captain of the track team. He then went on to attend the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of the United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations. He received a Master of Arts in Mathematics and Certificate of Advanced Study from Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT).
His career began by coaching the Saint Patrick Church's Christian Youth Organization's Basketball Team (Bridgeport, CT) and leading them to a state championship in 1959. He taught math and coached varsity track at Central High School (Bridgeport, CT). He then moved to Trumbull where he spent the remainder of his career as an educator, advancing from a math teacher, to Chairman of the Math Department, to Assistant Principal, to Housemaster, and ultimately to Principal of Trumbull High School for 10 years. He subsequently served as the Supervisor of Staff and Curriculum Development for Trumbull Public Schools. Upon his (initial attempt) at retirement in 1993, he heeded the call of the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport and took over as Principal of St. Theresa School (Trumbull, CT). He came out of retirement again to become the Assistant Superintendent of Trumbull Public Schools. His final act of fealty to the Trumbull Public Schools was serving as the Chairman of the Board of Education.
Ted had a love of singing and enjoyed many years of comradery as a member of the barbershop chorus Melody Men of Trumbull. He also served as a member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Boys' Basketball and Outdoor Track Committees and was President of the Fairfield County Secondary Schools Principals' Association. He was a diehard fan of all Trumbull High School athletics, particularly when his children or grandchildren were involved, and never missed a football game, be it at home or away!
There is no doubt that Ted would most want to be remembered for his tremendous love of family, his dedication to the Catholic faith, his loyalty to his community, his patriotism, and his enormous pride in his Irish heritage. He was a man of great integrity, generosity, and kindness; a leader and role model who will be sorely missed by the many who love him. The town extends its sympathies to his family.