Raphael A. Coia Jr.

Raphael Anthony Coia Jr., resident of Newington, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 10. His wife Patty of 69 years was by his side. Born in Philadelphia in 1933 to Christine (Piermatteo) Coia and Raphael Anthony Coia, Ray left PA to attend the University of Connecticut, where he earned his pharmacy degree. His college friend Paul Giangrave introduced him to Patricia Nolin. Ray and Patty were married in 1956. Paul was married to Patty's best friend Dolores, and the four of them remained close friends throughout their lives. Following college, Ray served his country for two years in the Army, stationed in Iceland. Upon his return, he and Patty lived briefly in Pennsylvania before establishing their home in Newington, Connecticut in 1962, where they would raise their family. For 38 years, Ray worked as a pharmacist at Twin City Drug, owning the business for the final 13 years before his retirement in 2000. Twin City Drug was a cherished institution on the Newington/New Britain town line, where Ray built a long and loyal customer base through his professional dedication and personal care. One of Ray's favorite roles was as the unofficial family photographer, especially at weddings, cookouts, and other events. He loved traditional slides but eventually made the transition to digital. Ray also loved vacations in the summer, particularly trips to Cape Cod with all the kids and extended family. Ray served as a Cub Scout/Boy Scout leader for ten years. During their retirement years, Ray and Pat enjoyed exploring New England and traveling to Australia to visit their son David and his family. Ray's curious mind kept him engaged with a variety of subjects including science, technology, politics, and photography. His practical skills as a handyman were legendary among family members, as he built or repaired nearly everything around the house over the decades. Above all, Ray was a devoted family man who dedicated all his time outside of work to Patty and their six children. Ray is survived by his wife Patty; his children Steven Coia (Jayne Couillard), Daniel Coia, Cynthia Coia (Jim Gregory), Michael Coia (Julie Coia), David Coia (Paula Morrison), and Tricia Coia (Mark Bouchea); and his grandchildren Ruby, Tamara, Collin, Mitchell, Sophia, Pax, and Abigail. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by funeral service and eulogies from 11:30-12:00 at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. Graveside service to follow at West Meadow Cemetery 679 Willard Ave., Newington. Memorial donations may be made out to the Newington Senior and Disabled Center at https://www.newingtonct.gov/1672/Donations. To share a memory with the family, please visit us at www.duksa.net. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raphael, please visit our floral store.