Walter E. Cote

Mr. Walter E. Cote`, age 75, of Utica, passed away on Monday, August 06, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born on December 23, 1931 in Carthage, NY, Walter was the son of the late Roy and Melba (Perrigo) Cote`. Raised and educated in Carthage, he became a resident of Utica at the age of 16. He furthered his education at M.V.C.C., earning an Associates Degree in Electronics, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Utica College. A U.S. Army veteran, he served stateside from 1952-54 and upon discharge remained a member of the Army Reserves. On November 9, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Bertha B. Abdoo. The couple loved each other and appreciated their companionship for nearly 50 years. Walter enjoyed an extensive 39-year career as a section chief in the electronics branch at Griffiss Air Force Base, retiring in 1990. He garnered numerous awards and accolades for his ideas that were patented. He pursued a secondary profession as an adjunct professor at Utica College, was a literary teacher within the community and in light of his talents, he judged numerous science fairs. A gentleman who respected others, he was endowed with a positive persona and a supportive personality. Whenever needed, he provided a shoulder to cry on, always with an open mind and a non-judgmental, benevolent attitude. He was a wonderful husband, devoted father, and cheerful grandpa. Blessed with a full life, Walter appreciated sunshine, sharing, teaching, traveling, and sports. He avidly followed football and was a New York Yankees fan. He spent his winters in Florida, and was bestowed the epithet of “Electronically the best Handy Man”. In his spare time, he solved crossword puzzles, read newspapers, and mastered his computer skills. He was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Walter is survived by his wife Bertha; his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela A. and Eric D. Bouck of Utica; and his adored grandson, Richard J. Bouck. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Bernie Louis of Rhode Island; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard and Ranko Cote` of Albany, and Meredith and Ponsy Cote` of Watertown; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his longtime and supportive friends, Lewis and Mela Javarone, Joe Capanna, and Bob and Pearl Hierholtzer. The family extends thanks to Walter’s physician, Dr. Naji El-Khoury, for the comfort he offered; and all the nurses and staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center especially acknowledging Debbie, Cindy, Roxanne, and Becky, for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. by Father Bassaam Saade. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Walt’s honor to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Walter’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Bassam Saade, Pastor. Interment will take place at St. James Cemetery in Carthage, NY.

Walter E. Cote

December 23, 1931 - August 6, 2007