John Anthony Coia, Jr, 66, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on August 24, 2023.
Born on November 9, 1956 in Camden, New Jersey to John and Pauline Coia. He spent most of his younger years in Pennsauken, NJ where he graduated in 1975. He met his wife Rita that same year and they were married on November 5, 1977 where they continued to live in South Jersey and welcome their 3 daughters’, Angela, Kellyann and Colleen. He started his career at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard before transferring to Kings Bay Naval Station in 1991 and called Fernandina Beach, FL home until his passing. He spent many years with shop 72 at the Trident Refit Facility as a Rigger Supervisor and was affectionately known as “Big John” to the guys.
During the early years in Fernandina Beach, you would most likely find John coaching his daughters’ softball teams or fishing at Fort Clinch. He loved nothing more than being around his family and was always putting them first. Later you would often find him at his grandchildren’s sporting events, Disney with his family or spending time traveling with his wife.
He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Rita Coia and his 3 daughters, Angela Lipscomb (Keith) of Winter Park, FL, Kellyann Sherman (Curt) and Colleen Bellar (Matt) both of Fernandina Beach, FL and his 6 grandchildren, Amelia and Colin Lipscomb, Landyn and Hayden Sherman and Brynnlee and Declan Bellar. Other survivors include his mother, Pauline Coia and sisters, brother and sister-in-law, Denise Manall (John), Louise Cameron (Dave), Marie Cori (Chris), Tony Coia (Stephanie), Gerri Coia and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father John Coia Sr. and brother Dominick Coia.
The family will receive friends and family at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 1, 2023 with a service following at 11:00 AM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.
He will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery.