A Life Story

Michael Joseph Coburn, 80, of Savannah, died 18 AUG 26 after a short illness. Michael was born in Savannah on 4 SEP 45 and raised in Port Wentworth, at the Savannah Sugar Refinery. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. He attended Cathedral School and Benedictine Military School (Class of 64). After high school, Michael graduated from The Citadel (Echo, Class of 68). In November of 1968, Michael married his wife of fifty-eight years, Ann Geraty Coburn. They lived on Isle of Hope. Michael is survived in death by his son Sean Coburn (Michelle) and daughter Erin Coburn. He also has three grandchildren: Geraty Vinson, Hannah Coburn, and Liam Coburn. He is preceded in death by his father Conlaw Coburn and his mother Anna Mae Coburn and his sister JoAnn Coburn VanHook. After graduating college, Michael returned to Savannah and coached football at Benedictine. He was head football coach in 1969. He left Benedictine and taught briefly at St. James Catholic School before leaving education. Upon leaving education, Michael entered into a long career in the maritime industry with stops in New Orleans; New Bern, NC; and St. Petersburg, FL. He worked with Marcona Ocean Industries, in the Bahamas, and developed an arduous working relationship with the Bahamian government. In Savannah, he worked at East Coast Terminals. Once leaving the maritime field after thirty years, Michael worked for HUD of Savannah. Michael helped coach several youth organizations throughout his life. Even after leaving the coaching and teaching world, you could find Michael at football games on Friday night or at The Citadel on Saturday ready to help or lend advice. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish. There will be a graveside service at 10:00 on Monday, 24 AUG, at Catholic Cemetery at 1420 Wheaton Street in Savannah. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations please be sent in Michael’s name to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, 69 Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29408, or The Zucker Family School of Education The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409.