Grafton – Norman “Red” Cote, 82, passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester following an illness. His wife, Phyllis (Lacilla), passed away in 2016.
Red is survived by his children, Lynne Cote, Jeannine Wingert and her husband Ben, David Cote and his life partner Mary DiCenzo Kim Cote and Michael Mars; his grandchildren, Rachel Heyn, Victoria and Brittany Flynn and Matthew Cote; and 4 great-grandchildren. Red also leaves his brother-in-law, Brian Lacilla and his wife Renie; his sisters-in-law, Linda Polselli and her husband Jerry, Gail Fields and her husband Gary and Beverly Cote. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Edgar Cote.
Red was born Jan. 26, 1935 in Worcester, son of the late Madeline (Chilson) and Edmond Cote. He spent most of his life in Grafton, but also lived in Upton where people around town began calling him the “Mayor” as he loved the town so much.
Red served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, and following his military service worked briefly at N. Polselli and Sons before he began driving for Consolidated Beverage, which he did for 30 years.
Away from work Red always had a love of his cats, especially “Doodles,” and he had an enduring passion for trains as a boy that never left him throughout his life. He was a fiercely loyal Boston fan, following the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. During the summer he could often be found digging for quahogs off the shores of Cape Cod, and was always up for a card game with his family.
Please honor Red with a donation in lieu of flowers to ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate.
All are welcome to gather with Red’s family Monday, Jan. 22, from 5-8 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. A prayer service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m., in the funeral home. Final burial will be private.
A Book of Memories to share a memory of Red is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
