John Foley Cotter

Green Harbor lost a good son today.

John Foley Cotter, 90 years young, was a Veteran and Sailor, tinker and traveler and long tale teller to all who would listen. Born in 1928 in Dedham Mass, John was the youngest of 2 sons. Predeceased oldest Brother (James W. Cotter,  passed 2005) and Mother (Alice Foley Cotter 1999)  and Father, William Cotter (1965). Surviving relatives are niece Elizabeth Cotter Atwood of Bishopville, Maryland, her husband John Atwood of Bishopville, Maryland, Nephew Gregory John Cotter of Ocean City Maryland, great niece Bernadette Atwood of Bishopville Maryland, great niece Katherine Cotter Atwood of San Marcos Texas, cousin Tom Brown of Watertown New York his wife Pat Brown.

John was in the first graduating class of Stonehill College and then went on to work for the Government as a systems compliance engineer.  Retiring in 1994, John tore down the family cottage on 75 Canal Street and undertook the task of being lead contractor on the build of the existing house.  A life long bachelor, John would spend many a winter’s day skiing in the Swiss Alps or Colorado Rockies.   His Summer love was his sailboat,’The Escape’, a labor of love that committed him to endless hours of restoration and nautical passages.  John had a passion for life and a lighthearted way of living his days.  He loved his crossword puzzles, lobster and the occasional spirit or two. John’s nieces and nephews loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please remit donations to St. Jude Children’s  Research Hospital.

A committal service with military honors will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Wednesday, May 22 at 1 PM. Rest in Peace Uncle John–Fair winds and following seas.

Alone I Will Not Be

My comfort will come from the sea.
The stillness of calm waves will gently drift by
I will be as one with the sea.

When the sun sets on the ocean blue, remember me as I will always remember you.
As the sun rises…go live life as full as can be
Apart…you and me…but be at peace for I am free.

                                                                                     Capt. Chad Theesfeld