Obituary of Philomena Koes

Bridgewater NJ – Philomena “Bella” Koes entered eternal rest on February 26, 2022 at home in Bridgewater NJ. She was born on November 16, 1936 in Old Forge Pennsylvania to her loving parents Alice and John Graziano.

During her life Philomena worked for the Scranton Lace Factory, the doctor offices of Dr Jeffrey Helman and Dr. Daniel Sadler and was the secretary to Coach Tatum for the University of North Carolina football team.  She was a communicant of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bradley Gardens Bridgewater NJ.   She lived for and treasured her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Philomena treated everyone even those she just met as if they were family.  Her joy came from giving to others even complete strangers.  Philomena’s enormous love and affection for others is the reason why she was frequently referred to as our “Angel on Earth”.  Philomena will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Philomena is survived by her loving children, Karen Swickle (James) of Hillsborough NJ, Lori McCarthy (Kenneth) of Phillipsburg NJ, Ronald Koes Jr. of Cumming Georgia, Lisa Fischer (Craig) of Milford NJ and Danette Yakeley (Gary) of Lebanon NJ.  She is also survived by the joys of her life her 10 Grandchildren Alicia (Scott), Sean (Debra), Corey (Sarah), Brett (Emily), Malorie (Jordan), Cassie, Lindsey, Melanie Agnes, Stephanie Alice, and Valerie Bella and her 15 Great Grandchildren Carter, Luke, Devin, Nora, Canice, Alyc, Matthew, Benjamin Ronald, Maxwell, Emma, Riley, Rowan, Camden, Levi, Laurel.

Philomena was predeceased by her parents John and Alice Graziano, her beloved husband Ronald Koes Sr and her sister Alice. 

Visitation will take place on Wednesday March 2, 2022 between 4:00pm and 8:00pm at the Bongiovi Funeral Home 416 Bell Avenue Raritan NJ 908-725-1887.  The family will gather at the funeral home on Thursday March 3, 2022, between 8:30am and 9:30am and then proceed to Holy Trinity Catholic Church 60 Maple Street Bridgewater NJ for a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial.  Burial will be private.

Philomena had genuine love for all animals.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Philomena’s name to the ASPCA.ORG or mailed to P.O. Box 96929 Washington DC 20090-9629.

                                                “Forever in Our Hearts”