It is with great sadness and much love that we the family
announce the passing of Raphael Gerard DeCoste, age 68, who died
suddenly at home in Port Hawkesbury, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.
He was born in Antigonish on June 30, 1954, and was a son of the late
Ethel (DeGruchy) and Raymond X. DeCoste, Havre Boucher.
Raphael’s family was his pride and joy. Left to
mourn are his children, Patrick (Rachelle King), Mackenzie, BC, and
Amanda (Tommie McIntyre), Port Hawkesbury; and his beloved
grandchildren, Emma, Ben and Danielle. He was predeceased by his wife
of 30 years, Valerie, in 2005. He is survived by his sisters, Dianne
(Eldon) Fitzpatrick, Phyllis (Allan) MacAskill, Havre Boucher; Gail
(Paul) Lukeman, Lower South River; Pearl (late Dave) Richardson,
Amherst; Sherry (John) Forrestall, Nine Mile River; brothers, Clifford
(Millie), Kenny, Allister, Havre Boucher; Linden (Charlene), Port
Hawkesbury; Keith, Fletchers Lake, NS. Many nieces and nephews. He was
predeceased by a sister Melanie in 1989 and brother Tony in
2017.
After graduating from CRVS as a pipefitter, he worked in his
trade prior to beginning his 30-year teaching career at the Vocational
School/NSCC. While teaching, he completed both his BA and B.Ed. from
St.FX. He was able to instill his knowledge and experience to many
learners and kept in touch with his students as they continued their
careers.
Raphael was a friend to so many and was often the first call
if someone needed help or if something needed to be done. He was an
avid volunteer who gave his time freely to many organizations. He
coached and mentored his son in minor hockey and baseball; was a
former volunteer with the Havre Boucher Fire Department; was a former
Parish Council member; was a former Lion’s Club member; was
an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43; and was a
member of St. Joseph’s Parish, Port
Hawkesbury.
He could be found touring around in his convertible, out on
his boat, or on his back deck, but he was always happiest when
surrounded by his family. One thing is for certain, Dad was always
there for a good time. Rest in peace Dad, and know that you will
forever be missed.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 14, 2022
from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port
Hawkesbury. Funeral service will be on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at
10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Port
Hawkesbury, with Deacon Berkley Guthro officiating. There will be a
reception downstairs in the hall to follow. Burial will be in St.
Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations in memory of Raphael can be made to the
Canadian Cancer Society or ALS Society of NB &
NS.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raphael Gerard DeCoste 1954 2022..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia