May 25, 1937 – Oct. 27, 2024
Northborough – Lawrence Edward Cotter II, beloved father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024. He was 87 years old. Born and raised in Concord, NH, Larry was one of four children to Lawrence E. and Lois (née Chase) Cotter, Sr.
After graduating from Concord High School in 1955, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon honorable completion of his service, Larry returned to the Concord area taking employment with Sprague Electric Company; first, in Concord then in Worcester, MA.
In 1960 he married the love of his life, Jacqueline D. (née Grimard). The couple first resided in Concord, NH prior to relocating their young family to Northborough in 1966. For much of his career, Larry was employed as an electronics technician with Micronetworks, Inc. of Worcester and Textron Defense Systems in Wilmington where he retired as a production manager.
Although he could be quiet at times, Larry was quite a storyteller. His dry wit and sense of humor will be missed by his family. In earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his chickens and splitting firewood. This was a skill he was most proud of; his stacking skills were those of an artist. Larry took pride in teaching family members and friends the value of hard work, the proper way to fit and secure a woodpile and the satisfaction of a job – well done. He had a lifelong affection for animals unless you were a woodchuck or squirrel – and looked forward to daily feeding of the wild rabbits and birds in his yard.
Along with Jackie, Larry enjoyed the occasional cruise vacation and spending time refinishing furniture together. Woodworking was a huge part of his skills that he inherited from his father and grandfather. Larry maintained an extensive workshop in his basement where he skillfully made pieces of furniture that has stood the test of time in his own house as well as the homes of his family members; a testament to the love and quality built into each piece. The many homemade toys will be cherished for generations to come.
Surviving Larry are his four daughters, Joan Cotter of Auburn, Judith Cotter of Clinton, Laura Angliss and her husband Ken of Franklin, and Linda Cotter of Auburn. Larry was the beloved grandpa and papa to his eight grandchildren, Jesse Cotter and his wife Meagan, Elizabeth Villatoro and her fiancé Faurry Villatoro, Nikki Gangi and her husband Stephen, Krista Shields and her fiancé Vincent Donofrio, Jonathan Remillard, Dylan Remillard, Cameron Angliss, Nolan Angliss and eight great-grandchildren, Aurora, Ganon, Trey, Magnolia, Rose, Mya, Kyrie and Vonn; all whom he loved dearly. Larry was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jackie who died in 2023. He was also preceded in death by two sisters Louise Sleeper and Marjorie Cotter and a brother Stephen Cotter.
Calling hours are scheduled between 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Larry’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home on Monday, November 4th. Burial with military honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.