Ronald Eliot Coe, M.D.
Ronald Eliot Coe, MD, age 92, died peacefully at home on Saturday evening, December 27, 2014 surrounded by his family and caregivers. Ron was born on July 5, 1922 in Middletown, CT and was raised in Durham, CT. Ron's devoted wife, Eleanor died in 2013 and was his lifelong love and pal since high school. They were married on June 17, 1944. Their relationship was filled with love and a playful spirit that is rare and beautiful. Born to the late Blanche Coe Buckley, Ron was raised by his mother, treasured grandparents, loving aunts, and his late stepfather William Buckley. He is survived by his brother, Jim Ambrosia and Jim's wife Ua of Aiea, HI and predeceased by his two sisters, Jean Monday and Joan Otte, both of Durham, CT. His sister-in-law, Marion Mahoney of Glastonbury, CT also survives him. Throughout life, Ron and his siblings seemed to understand how to laugh, enjoy, and treasure each other. Childhood and adult memories remained special throughout his life. These treasured memories where the root of many good stories. Wonderful stories, laughter, humor and practical jokes were a part of the fabric of Ron's life with his family. Ron is survived by his loving daughter, Nancy Coe McLane (Jeffrey Warren Lewis) of Birchrunville, PA, and his devoted grandson, Joshua Coe McLane (fiancée, Caitlin Parker Jones) of Boston, MA. Also, four step-grandchildren, James Woods McLane, Jr., Benjamin Sargent McLane, Douglas Warren Lewis, and Ryan Jeffrey Lewis. Ron always enjoyed his nieces and nephews, many dear friends, and his patients. Ron and his family have been blessed to have longtime and loyal caregiver, Veronica Kay Haynes at his side throughout these final years. Veronica is an angel on earth who shared compassion, healing hands, and loving care with all of us. Each and every day Ron appreciated Veronica's care and friendship and as a true gentleman he continually thanked her for such good care and kindness. Ron began his education at the Durham High School, and then went to Colby College in Waterville ME, a place he loved. The onset of World War II interrupted his college education. Ron joined the Army and served as a combat medic in the104th Infantry Division, 414th Regiment, Company K in the European Theater. During his time at war, Ron received a Purple Heart for a shrapnel injury to the left leg and back and a Silver Star for gallantry in action. While modest and humble in all of the ways he lived his life, Ron wrote a book about his time as a medic in World War II. He wanted us to understand the human side of war, to remember the tragedy of war and to understand that those at war are all human beings. Looking Back: Memoirs of a World War II Medic focuses on this message. After returning from war Ron returned to Colby College to finish his undergraduate education. He then earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. Following this education, Ron did his internship and residency at Saint Raphael's Hospital in New Haven, CT. He then opened a private medical practice of Internal Medicine in the local neighborhood of Spring Glen in Hamden, CT where he served the community for many decades. He was well known for being a superior diagnostician, for caring deeply for his patients, and for listening and understanding. He practiced medicine with a deep, humble compassion for his patients. He once told his daughter that if you listen to the patient they will tell you what is wrong with them, a gifted message to all those going into medicine. There is no simpler way of saying it other than to say that Ron's patients, friends, and family loved him and he loved each and every one of us. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Ron respected the professors at Colby College and credited them with his acceptance to Medical School. The family wishes that anyone caring to make a contribution in the memory of Ronald Eliot Coe, MD, please do so to Colby College, Office of Development, 4000 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901 Attention: Ronald Eliot Coe, MD Memorial Fund The family plans to celebrate and remember Ron's life privately, but looks forward to friends sharing memories of Ron through notes to the family. Correspondence will be received by his daughter, Nancy Coe McLane and shared with Ron's family at PO Box 280 Birchrunville, PA 19421. Arrangements in care of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT.
A true physician of extraordinary talent…..a wonderful friend and fellow shutterbug…his wife was a lovely person.they will be missed
RONALD COE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND DOCTOR .WHO PRACTICE IN HAMDEN CT. .AND WAS A MEDIC DURING WW11. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Your Father and GrandFather was a wonderful human being. As a Pharma Represenative I was in his office many times and he was one of the greatest Doctors to visit with. He always had a pleasant way about him and you could also see his concern for his patients. There are not many doctors in practice today that have what Dr. Ronald Coe had.
May he rest in peace.
Dr. Coe was both our physician and friend. He graciously watched over my grandfather and great aunt when they moved into the apartment over his office. He truly was a man and physician who listened to his patients. When he saw my dad one time, he said .I hear something that just doesn’t sound right.. He was right and because of that, my father had successful heart surgery for something that may have gone unnoticed. He and Eleanor welcomed me into their home on many occasions during my frequent visits. I am very sorry to hear of his loss and my thoughts and prayers to the family. We are truly blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace.
Ron was a tireless advocate for his patients, an outstanding physician and a gentleman. His humble, unassuming manner and professionalism were examples for those around him. He was beloved by all, and his absence from our midst is a great loss.
My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
He was my doctor from my college physical in 1970 until his retirement. It never occurred to me to go anywhere else. He and Eleanor were the nicest people. I enjoyed talking with them whenever I came in for an appointment. I just learned of their passing. They are in my thoughts and prayers.