Joseph A Coates Jr.

Joseph A. Coates Jr., age 80 of Ravenna, formerly of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, passed away February 10, 2024. He was born October 2, 1943, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Sebastiana “Bess” (Tondiglia) and Joseph A. Coates Sr.

Joe graduated from Ravenna High School in 1961 and then attended Kent State, Ohio State, and Akron University while studying aeronautics. He earned his Private Pilot Certification at Miller Airport in North Benton, Ohio, before becoming a Certified Pilot Instructor. He achieved his Airline Transport Certification while working for USAir as a Ground School Instructor before USAir merged with American Airlines. He retired from American Airlines after a 33 year career.

After retiring in 2012, Joe spent his time with family, golfing, socializing with friends, teaching his grandchildren about flying and outer space, and regaling anyone who would listen with tales from his life. He was well loved and will be missed by many.

In 1969, Joe met Jo Ann McCracken at the Miller Airport and they wed in 1974, and had two children, Amy and Bethany.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Jo Ann, his daughter Amy and her husband Corey Callihan of South Riding, VA, his daughter Bethany and her husband Michael Loll and their two children Amelia and Charlotte of Crofton, MD, his sister Diane and her husband Gordon Harris, his brother Matthew and his wife Kathleen Coates, and his sister Mary Beth and her husband Kent Lillick.

His wishes for cremation are being honored. Friends and family will be received Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10:30 – 11:00 AM with a memorial service celebrated by Chaplain Bill Wisniewski at 11:00 AM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s memory to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA, 15001. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com