John P. Coticone, 93, passed away on April 21, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.
John was born on January 7, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA and went to work at the age of ten, working in a bakery and a bowling alley to help support his family. At the age of 20, John joined the army and served in the Korean War. After 2 years of service, John began his lifelong career at RCA in Camden, NJ. While working there, he attended night school for many years, eventually receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. In 1956 he met his beautiful wife, Ann, in the Poconos, and married her in 1957. They were married 68 wonderful years. While at RCA, John was instrumental in the design and production of parts that were used in the Apollo Space program. His family loved visiting his work on display in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. Upon his retirement, he became restless and took a job delivering prescriptions to the elderly. John loved engaging with everyone he met and often gave needed companionship to his lonely clients. As an engineer, John was fascinated by the engineering of all things. One of the highlights of his travel was seeing the Panama Canal and analyzing how they made the locks operate.
John is survived by his wife, Ann, his son Julius and his wife Sulekha, his daughter Geralyn and her husband Brad (Michel) and their two children, John’s granddaughters, Amanda and Lauren.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St, (Rt.16) Wellesley on Saturday, June 13 from 8:30-9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley Hills at 10:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please honor John with a donation to one of the following organizations: Shriner’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Project.