Austin Michael Cotoia Obituary (2022 - 2024)

Center Barnstead - Austin Michael Cotoia, 20 months, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Boston Children's Hospital following a lengthy and brave fight. On "May the Fourth" 2022, Austin was born at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, the cherished fourth son of Cory and Tasha (Vinton) Cotoia. From the beginning Austin was a fighter, born with some challenges that he faced even before birth. He was diagnosed with cornelia de lange syndrome as well as a rare congenital heart condition which kept him at Boston Childrens Hospital for a majority of his first year. In the hospital Austin was often referred to as "feisty", this is where he got his nickname Feisty Austin. Austin would get so mad when people would touch him, he would stop his heart and stop breathing (Vagal) in protest to what was happening with him or his surroundings. His unique abilities and his cantankerous attitude would keep everyone on their toes. Austin was able to come home a couple times during his first year. He spent his first Halloween and Christmas at home with family. All three of his older brothers were all very happy and proud to have Austin at home with the whole family together. Nathan was especially enamored with Austin when he was home and would stand beside him announcing to everyone "Its Austin..., Austin's Here" His two oldest brothers Carter & Alex loved helping out with Austin's care and "watching" him with a keen eye to make sure he was happy and healthy at home. All of the brothers enjoyed spending time together and doing their best to get Austin to crack a smile with their silly faces and antics. In April 2023, Austin's medical needs increased and he was moved to Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities in Keene. Austin got visitors almost daily, the facility at Cedarcrest provided Austin with a nice, comforting, and relaxing home environment with loving and caring staff where he could really get comfortable. While at Cedarcrest Austin was really able to let his charm shine thru and instead of saving the few and far between smiles and sweet expressions just for family he really opened up and went from being a grumpy agitated little guy who didn't like people touching him, to a smiling happy baby that loved sending kisses thru the air. Austin loved all of his friends at rehab. He would sit in the play area and would smile at people that walked by and talked to him. Mom would call him a little "mall puppy". Friends would walk by and he would smile at them. Of course, they'd have to come over and tell him how cute he was and he loved hearing it. He loved the attention. He would get so excited to see new people. Austin was truly the happiest during his time at Cedarcrest and the family is eternally grateful to Cedercrest for the "home away from home" that they provided for Austin. In November 2023 Austin returned to Boston Children's Hospital to have his 2nd open heart surgery. Unfortunately, it was not the miracle we had hoped for. Austin ultimately passed away after several complications. The family is grateful for the caring nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplains, doctors, surgeons, and palliative care team that we met along Austin's journey at both Boston Children's Hospital and Dartmouth Medical. Thank you for your guidance and dedication. Austin's time was short, but he impacted so many lives in positive and meaningful ways. We will miss his beautiful smile. He was predeceased by his uncle, Shaun Cotoia this past June. Besides his parents, he will be remembered by his three brothers, Carter (6), Alexander (4), and Nathaniel (3), Maternal Grandparents, Howard Vinton of Center Barnstead, Cheryl and Richard Vinton of Winthrop, ME, Paternal Grandparents, Elizabeth Cotoia of Warwick, RI and Raymond Cotoia and his partner, Bette Riveria of Warwick, RI, Paternal Great Great Grandmother, Mabel Cabral, uncle Mark Cotoia and aunts, Angel Vinton and Katrina Bouthot as well as several cousins. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 12Pm-2PM at the Roan Family Funeral Home, 167 Main Street, Pembroke. A brief service will be held in the funeral home beginning at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, 91 Maple Ave, Keene, NH 03431. PLEASE OMIT LILIES IN FLORAL ORDERS. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com