Webster – Robert A. Cote Sr. died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at Webster Manor, Webster. He was 86 years old. His beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley, passed away in 2010. He was a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury until Shirley's death, when he moved to his son and daughter-in-law's farm in Rhode Island.
Robert is survived by his two children, his son, Robert A. Cote Jr. and his wife Mary Brunell of Burrillville, Rhode Island, and his daughter, Christine A. McLean and her husband Scott of Holden. He also leaves grandsons, Matthew and Andrew McLean of Holden; granddaughters, Jennifer Cote of Worcester and Amy Ferguson and her husband, Drake of Houston, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Brianna, Olivia and David.
He was born Sept. 17, 1927 in Worcester, the son of the late Ernest and Corrine Cote. He honorably served in the United States Army and was stationed in Austria during the reconstruction efforts after World War II.
Robert had worked for many years in construction as a heavy equipment operator and carpenter. He was best known and remembered for his work with the town of Shrewsbury, as foreman of the Public Buildings Department. He retired from that position in 1992.
Funeral arrangements will be held privately. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., is handling the arrangements for the Cote Family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Men's Club at the Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
