Raymond J. Cote, Jr.

Class of 2017

Raymond J. Cote, Jr. (Ray) was born in Bridgeport, CT, on February 26, 1958. His father, Raymond Sr. died at the very young age of 35 following a tragic industrial accident. Ray says his father ensured he gave as much as possible to provide an even better life for his children, which include Ray’s three sisters, Donna, Denise and Debra.

According to Ray, his mother Alice Cote, possesses the highest degree of integrity possible and it is the greatest lesson he could ever have learned.

While in high school, Ray attended the Catskill Christian Assembly, a Christian service camp during the summer, where he met his teenage sweetheart, Paula. They were married in 1977, in Nesconset, NY, and have four children, Raymond J. III, Dr. Michael Cote, David Cote and Alyssa Rae Quinones, and five grandchildren.

After graduating from Emmet o’Brien Regional Vocational Technical High School in 1975, Ray earned an Associate Degree in Science, Electrical Engineering from waterbury State Technical College in 1978.

He began his career in the machine tool industry before being offered his very first industry job in 1992, which was and still is as a salesman for American Chocolate Mould Co. one of the most memorable moments of Ray’s career was when company owner Frank Friedwald made him a partner in the business. Ray says that having 2004 Candy Hall of Famer Frank recognize his efforts is something for which he will be eternally grateful.

When Frank retired, Ray purchased American Chocolate Mould, and while Ray says his job is to represent and sell, he believes it is also his duty to administer sound industry advice to all clients and to foster healthy manufacturing relationships despite the prospect of monetary gain. His aim, he says, is to relieve his clients of any stress he can by providing whatever help he can offer.

Serving the industry, Ray has worked on the Candy kettle Committee since 2007.

Away from the business, Ray served as a Trustee for the Catskill Christian Assembly for 35 years and has helped fund the rebuilding of structures on the campground.

An active member of the Nesconset Christian Church, Ray served as a Deacon, Trustee and Elder and is currently a Trustee and Elder of the worship for North Shore Christian Church.

He has been a major sponsor and supporter of IRIE Therapeutic Horseback Riding for cognitively impaired children and young adults, sponsors the Riverhead Little League Team, is member of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce and sponsored the town’s men’s softball league for five years.

Despite living on Long Island for almost 40 years, Ray admits he is a diehard Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan.