Ralph Thomas Coley, Jr.

Ralph Thomas Coley, Jr.

Outdoor enthusiast, multi-sport athlete, family leader and retired mechanical engineer, Ralph Thomas Coley, Jr.’s love of life did not come to an end with his passing. Ralph/Dad/Pops was born on February 24, 1947 and connected to his next destination peacefully with his family by his side on December 22nd, 2023.  12/22 is an auspicious day, ushering in the season of love as the light increases each day after the Winter Solstice.  Knowing this brings comfort to the family, as does the forever imprint Pops has handcrafted on each of his loved ones’ hearts. 

Ralph is greeted by many predeceased and beloved members of the Coley and Scrogin families.  Ralph married the love of his life, Suzanne (Susi) Scrogin while in college at the University of Florida.  Together they have a daughter Jennifer, (spouse Martin Geoghegan) and son, Ralph Travis (spouse Christine Messina), and four grandsons: Finn, Owen, Ralph (Blaise) and Augie.   Ralph is a proud Uncle to his many nephews and nieces. 

A frequent flier in business and pleasure, Ralph made friends around the world and generously planned trips to bring the world to his family.   From camping excursions during the family’s time on the West Coast, to an unforgettable NYE stay in Jamaica for Y2K, Pops made new adventures, personal growth and family bonding possible with his vision and execution.  

One of Pops’ favorite places for treating the family was Anna Maria Island, Florida.  This journey brought the grandsons to the Gulf and extended Florida family for the first time, and Pops delighted in the ritual of the sunsets, introducing the grandsons to the magic of the “green flash”, and twinkling his eyes as he made the “sizzle sound” as the hot sun dipped into the blue water.  

As an engineer, Ralph took great pride in building a home where his talents were expressed in pastimes that transformed into gifts for his family.   Often found around his wood shop, Ralph matched the moniker “good with his hands” with great with his heart. Ralph lovingly handcrafted custom furniture for Susi, his children’s homes, and expertly built decks, laid floors, and even created bespoke hat-racks for teen bedrooms.  Whatever handmade creation Ralph contributed to the annual Church Christmas Fair, it was always sure to be a hit! 

Pops was a music aficionado, and was always intentional in weaving sound throughout the home and outdoor living spaces. Thanks to Pops’ great taste in artists, family and friends are blessed with a collective soundtrack of our time with him on weekends, post-bike ride cool downs, breakfast making, yard work, and of course, grilling and holidays. No Thanksgiving morning was complete without Pops piping “Alice’s Restaurant” through the house.  Ralph’s loved ones are grateful that genres like classic country and artists like Jimmy Buffet, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and so much of the California sound bring Pops’ presence close to their hearts. 

Ralph’s family looks forward to celebrating what he held dearly, his faith, his family and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like a cold beer and good tunes among great friends.  In keeping with the season of light, Ralph’s tribute and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 4th at 10am at the Second Congregational Church of Cohasset, Massachusetts.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations to SCC of Cohasset (2ndcc.org) Donate | Second Congregational Church (2ndcc.org), 110 Fitness Rockland (110fitness.org), NVNA Hospice (nvnahospice.org) Donation Form (donorperfect.net).

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