Ralph A. Coates

Scio, NY = Ralph A. Coates, 90, of 4078 Pine Street passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the VA Nursing Home in Bath following a brief illness. He was born August 14, 1922 in Ulysses, PA the son of Delbert and Clara (Quackenbush) Coates. On November 18, 1948 in Rexville he married Louise Birmingham who survives. 

Ralph was a veteran of the U. S. Army during WWII, serving with the 94th Infantry Division as a machine gun squad leader. He was captured in 1945 and was a prisoner of war in Germany. He received several metals after the war including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was a former employee of National Fuel Gas for 33 years; retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW and the Wellsville Elks Lodge #1495. 

Surviving in addition to his wife is one son, Gerry Coates of Solvang, CA, two granddaughters, Megan (Brian) Ricci and Arin (Billy) Meade, two great grand-daughters, Brooklyn and Hannah Ricci, two sisters, Myrtle (Bart) Baine of Horseheads and Betty (Ray) Pals of Effingham, IL as well as several nieces & nephews. He was an avid sports enthusiast and loved playing golf, baseball and softball.

Friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. There will be no prior visitation and the family suggests memorial donations be made to Fairlawn Cemetery or the Scio Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.