AUBURN/WORCESTER
John E. Cotter, 74, of Auburn, formerly of Worcester died Saturday, May 15 at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
His wife of 40 years, Kathleen A. (MacIsaac) Cotter died in 1996. He leaves seven children, two sons, J. Michael Cotter and his wife, Valerie of Auburn, Brian Cotter and his wife Mel of Shrewsbury, and five daughters, Cathy Meyer and her companion, Rick Boule of Worcester, Patty Allain and her husband Brian of Worcester, Donna Currie and her husband Bill of Holden, Annmarie Johnson and her husband Mark of Worcester and Erin Caracciolo and her companion, Ed Maryyanek of Oxford; two brothers, James Cotter of Pittsfield and Jeffrey Cotter of Auburn; sixteen grandchildren, Katie Meyer, Kristin, Michael and Courtney Allain, Michaela and Carolina Cotter, Brittany, Ryane, Kathleen and Patrick Currie, Alex Johnson, Cameron and Chad Caracciolo, Kylie Maryyanek, Riley and Colson Cotter; a sister-in-law, Patricia Baker of Florida; nieces and nephews. He was born in Worcester, son of Walter and Eleanor (Rivard) Cotter and graduated from St. Peter’s High School, Worcester State College and received his Master’s Degree from Clark University. He served in the United States Marines Corp Reserves.
John was a teacher for many years at Assabet Valley Vocational High School retiring in 1997, prior to that he started his career in education at Bay Path Regional High School. He also worked alongside his father in the family business, Cotter Trucking.
John was the 1st Football Coach at Bay Path, a Field Hockey Coach at Assabet Valley, a Senior Babe Ruth Baseball Coach in Worcester and a Coach for Legion Baseball with the Main South American Legion Post. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church, the Knights of Columbus Alhambra Council #88, the Main South American Legion Post #341 and its Travel Golf League, the former Metropolitan Diners Club, served on the board of officials and refereed for the IAAOB Basketball League and the Central Mass. Football Conference and he was the former director of St. Peter’s High School Alumni Association. John was a three time Telegram All Star .
John was a Patriot and Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed many activities including golfing and time with his friends, winter in florida,and traveling to Disney, but the times he spent with his children and grandchildren were the most special and important to him.
The family would like to extend a most sincere thank you to, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Doctor Shepro and his staff and the Jewish Healthcare Center and their Hospice Program.
The Funeral will be held Wednesday, May 19, from Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 10 AM in St. Peter’s Church,, 931 Main St. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting Hours are Tuesday, May 18, from 4 to 8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, the John Cotter Scholarship Fund at St. Peter-Marian High School, attn: Ruth Walker, 781 Grove St. Worcester, 01605. To place an on-line condolence, please visit. www.callahanfay.co