Paul "Paulie" Cote passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 12, 2023, in Palmetto, Florida, at the age of 72 after a 21-year courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on September 8, 1951, in New Bedford, Massachusetts to the late Ernest S. Cote, and Bernadette (Guay) Cote. Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a very outgoing guy with a big smile and a witty personality. His charm attracted strangers, who soon became lifelong friends. He had a knack for creating long-lasting friendships, and his infectious personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Paul's warm and welcoming nature endeared him to all who knew him.
He married his high school sweetheart Rochelle (Beaulieu) Cote November 25th, 1971. He resided in Acushnet, MA with his family until he retired in 2004 and moved in 2005 to Palmetto, FL.
Paul received his education at St. Anthony in New Bedford and later attended St. Anthony of New Bedford High School. He furthered his education at the Massachusetts Fire Academy.
Paul's interest in firefighting began at a young age. His mother, Bernadette would run him around the city chasing fire engines and listening to the scanner. Paul began his career in 1980 as a call firefighter for the Town of Acushnet. During this time he also worked for his father in law, Arthur, for Beaulieu's Oil. He later went on to work for Bancroft Oil after the family business was sold. Paul entered into a full time firefighter position for the Town of Acushnet in October 1983 and then went on to be promoted to Fire Chief in April 1988. He served as President of The Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association and the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association.
In his free time, Paul enjoyed camping, watching NASCAR, and gathering with friends to watch football games. These hobbies brought him joy and allowed him to create cherished memories with loved ones. He had a large extended camping family that ranged from Massachusetts to Florida. He also was a long-standing member of the Moose Lodge 2117.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Rochelle (Beaulieu) Cote; his daughters Erin Cote-Hartford of Hyde Park, MA, Katelynne Cote of Riverview, FL and his beloved golden retriever Miss Katie; grandchildren Matthew Paul Cote, Abigail Sophie Hartford, Christian Rashad Belcher, Aiden Timothy Hartford, and Khya Jackie Tolson; his sisters, Paulette Ribar and her husband William of Swansea, MA, Jeanne Howland and her late husband Robert of Freetown, MA; his brother Dennis Beaulieu and his wife Catherine of Palmetto, FL, who assisted the family greatly during his courageous battle; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Paul at Palmetto Moose Lodge 2117 on November 26, 2023, in Palmetto, FL at 12:00 P.M.
Memorial Mass will take place on December 12, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua in New Bedford, Massachusetts, at 10:00 A.M., followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul's memory can be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.