Thomas H Cote

Thomas H. Cote,  83, of Worcester passed away after a long illness, Friday, December 18th2015, with his family gathered at his side, after  recently celebrating his 61st wedding anniversary with his devoted wife Doris (George) Cote.       Thomas was born in Worcester; his parents were the late, Valmore F.X. and Josephine (Lavoie) Cote, McLaughlin.  Tom’s father passed away as a young man and his stepfather Henry McLaughlin became a big part of his life.   He graduated from Commerce High School class of 1951, and joined the U.S. Navy serving his country proudly for the next three years during the Korean War.  Upon discharge from the service, Tom accepted positions with the Vellumoid Corporation, RCA Corporation and Foxboro Corporation before becoming a principal electrical engineer for the Raytheon Corporation before retiring in 1994 after 30 years of service..    Tom is survived by his wife Doris; His three children, Thomas H. Cote Jr and his wife Catherine of North Kingston RI, Mark G. Cote and his wife Kathleen of Boylston, Joanne M. Fulginiti and her husband Michael of Auburn;  A brother, Eugene Cote and his wife Lois on Cape Cod; five grandchildren he cherished who affectionately called him “Papa”;  Nicholas, Matthew, Samantha, Jason and Dylan Cote; his brother and sisters in law, Charles and Joyce George and Pauline Messenger; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.    Tom was a former member of the Worcester Lodge of Elks and current member of the Worcester Eagles Lodge being involved and volunteering for many of their charities.   Tom was an avid golfer, playing in leagues mostly at Wachusett and Clearview Country Clubs.  He especially enjoyed playing golf with his children.  Tom was a passionate Patriots football fan, never missing a game either attending or watching on TV.  He loved to travel frequently accompanied by his beloved dog Ruckus.  Tom enjoyed life with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.   If not on the golf course Tom was found having a good time relaxing in his yard, pool side with family and friends or the special moments he spent in Maine with his daughter and son in law.      Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Tuesday, December 22, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   Tom’s funeral will be held Wednesday, December 23rd from the funeral home with a procession to St Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston St.  where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am.  Burial with Naval honors will follow in Mt Vernon Cemetery.   Family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial  contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.