Raymond M. Koehler

Raymond M. Koehler
In loving memory of Ray Koehler
Raymond M. Koehler, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, left this world on Aug. 21, 2025. He was surrounded by love.
Ray was born on Oct. 11, 1953 in Northampton, MA to Gene and Stanley Koehler. His imagination and adventurous spirit were nurtured from a young age during his family's numerous travels abroad, including to England, Italy and Greece. Wherever the destination, he absorbed the culture and created lifelong friendships.
Ray graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1972 with academic distinction. He starred on the football, basketball and track teams, served as captain on the football team, and won the scholar-athlete award his senior year. He went on to attend Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, where he played football for a year, ran track, and served as president of the Stag Club. He earned a B.A. in classics in 1976, graduating summa cum laude, and received a M.A. degree in classics from the University of Toledo.
Ray devoted his professional life to teaching and generations of students benefited from his engaging and innovative methods. He taught classical languages at Waynfleet School in Portland, ME, Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT, Stoneleigh-Burnham in Greenfield, MA, and Hill Regional Career High School in New Haven, CT, bringing Latin to life with skits, music and games. He composed "The Never Ending Noun Ending Song," turning rote grammar into a memorable experience, and authored "A Student's Guide to Catullus." He led many student trips to Greece and frequently presented to his peers and colleagues at Classical Association of New England conferences.
Ray was a kind, understanding and supportive husband to his wife, Monica Koehler, creating a magical relationship that will live on. He was a loving father to his two daughters, Isabel Claire Koehler and Rachel Ann Kaplan (Danny), and stepdaughter Veronica Concodello (Joe). He nurtured their self worth and personal development with his never-ending support. He is also deeply missed by his step-grandchildren, Sophia and Scarlett Concodello.
Ray shared a warm and loving relationship with each of his siblings, filling their shared childhood with music, stories and imagination. Margaret DeGregorio (Jim McMillan), Jenny Yelle (Gerald), Jamison Koehler (Susan Burke) and Mary Anne Brush (George) will keep his memory alive always.
Also holding a special place in Ray's heart were his nieces and nephews: Peter DeGregorio, Geneva Mehta (Raaj), Laura Koehler (Michael Dumas), Emma Brush (Grayson Zulauf), Jack Koehler, Meg Behan (Mike), Ray Yelle, Somers Basile (Pete), Bobby Koehler (Gaby), Eric Yelle and Jared Brush. He was interested and engaged in their lives and, in turn, they supported his many musical endeavors and creative projects.
Ray brought music, laughter, love of games and his competitive spirit to every family gathering, whether he was shooting the moon in a game of Hearts or making pancakes with real maple syrup. His family admires his unwavering positivity and ability to see the good in everyone.
A memorial service and reception will take place in Amherst, MA on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 12:15 p.m. at the Inn on Boltwood, 30 Boltwood Ave. The reception will be preceded by a graveside service at 11:15 a.m. at Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street, open to those who wish to attend.
Memorial donations may be made to the New England Classical Association or The Yale Cancer Center.