Donald Raymond

Coscia

Donald Raymond Coscia

Born in New York, NY on December 8, 1944

Departed on November 3, 2026 and resided in The Villages, FL

Memorial Service & Visitation: Ballard Durand - White Plains, NY, Thursday, December 3, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Friday December 4, 10:30 am

Donald Raymond Coscia, a lifelong educator, devoted husband, father, and mentor, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born in Kew Gardens, New York, Professor Coscia was a self-described "ordinary kid from Queens" who lived an exceptional life. A New Yorker at heart, he also spent 20 years in Florida, building lasting friendships and embracing new experiences.

Professor Coscia devoted nearly 60 years to education, a profession he loved deeply. He earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education and his master's degree in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from St. John's University, and completed doctoral coursework in Mathematics at Brooklyn Polytechnic. A longtime professor of mathematics, department chair, and associate dean at Suffolk County Community College, he also taught at Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and the American School of Paris.

A pioneer in distance education, Professor Coscia's leadership extended to national and state grant projects, the creation of Suffolk County Community College's first "smart" classroom, and the development of its distance education program. He championed innovative approaches to teaching that expanded access to higher education and opened doors for non-traditional students. He was also a published author, having written the textbook, Computer Applications for Finite Mathematics and Calculus. His contributions earned him numerous honors, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the SUNY Provost's Distinguished Service Award, and the designation of Professor Emeritus. Above all, Professor Coscia loved teaching and mentoring young people, believing in their potential and the transformative power of encouragement, opportunity, and access.

Professor Coscia believed that hard work, persistence, and second chances often mattered more than natural talent. His dedication to basketball at Forest Hills High School earned him a place in the televised All-City Tournament at Madison Square Garden in 1961-a lifelong source of pride. A Mets fan from the team's earliest days, he and his friends hung a "We Love the Mets Rod Kanehl" banner at the Polo Grounds before the team's first home game in 1962. Kanehl fondly recalled the banner in a 1966 Sports Illustrated interview-a fitting reflection of Professor Coscia's lifelong affection for the unlikeliest of heroes.

A natural storyteller, loyal friend, and champion of the underdog, Professor Coscia will be remembered for his humor, determination, generosity, and lifelong love of the arts. He made the most of life's opportunities and encouraged others to do the same. For an "ordinary kid from Queens," it was truly an extraordinary life.

Professor Coscia was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Vernice; his brother, Frank; and his sister, Frances.

Professor Coscia shared a rich and loving life with his wife of fifty years, Professor Cheryl Blando-Coscia, raising their two daughters together before her passing in 2017. He was the original "girl dad" and fatherhood was among his greatest joys. Professor Coscia was fortunate to find love again with Diane Timperley-Coscia, embracing a new chapter filled with joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of adventure. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Denys and Danielle (Carl); and his stepson, Darren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Professor Coscia's memory may be made to the National Girls Collaborative Project, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunities for girls and young women from diverse and underserved backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, on Friday, December 4, 2026.