Paul F. Cotter

This past Wednesday marked the passing of Paul Francis Cotter, an adoring husband and a devoted father and grandfather. He was known for his ability to use his hands, his efficiency at organizing, always being a handy person to have around. Some of his early occupations included firefighting, a mechanic, a bartender, a mailman, a contractor, a record store owner, and a lion tamer, probably.   In a sense Dad's life had two distinct chapters.  His early life was filled with parties, adventures (including attending Woodstock in 1969), driving (and crashing) fast cars, and escaping death more times than a cat. In those days he enjoyed skiing and developed a lifelong love of sailing. He gave that up to begin the next chapter of his life- that of being a husband and father.  He had a knack for always being a good person to have around. Did you need relationship advice? He had some wisdom ready for you.  Is your engine making a strange sound, or does your house have a water leak, he had it covered.  He not only knew how to fix everything, but seemed to have the exact tool on hand to get the job done.  He was a kind, humble man, who knew how to laugh at your lame joke or tell you you were being an idiot. 

The turnout at his 70th birthday party saw old friends and family from around the country eagerly flying in to see him, and after much planning and logistics, to everyone's credit no one spoiled the surprise.  He had no idea it was coming and that began a two day celebration of friends and family sitting together and sharing their favorite stories of him.  He was the kind of person that made events like that inevitable. 

He was the foundation of our family. In the end he passed the way we all wish we'd go, comfortably in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Judy Cotter, his children Sean Lackey, Morgan Cotter, Trevor Cotter and his wife Natalie, and grandson, Harold Cotter, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Above all, he continues to live in the memories of all the friends he made along the way and the great many people who loved him. Dad, you lived a storied life and we are genuinely going to miss you.