Emmett J. Cotter
Date of Passing:
Emmett J. Cotter passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 20, 2024. He was the loving husband of Alice M. Murphy for nearly 60 years before her death in 2020. He was the son of John W. Cotter and Mary E. Cotter. He was predeceased by his six brothers – John, Robert, Donald, Gerard, James, and Paul, and beloved cousin George Fogarty.
He is survived by his children Alicia Reynolds (James), Thomas (Douglas Beebe), and Meghan Keller (Jeffrey). He was the proud “Bompa” to his adoring grandchildren, James, Sarah and Hope Reynolds, and Murphy and Emmett Keller.
His philosophy of life was simple – work hard, play hard, and pray hard, traits he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He loved his faith, friends, and family, and he treasured his Irish heritage.
Calling hours will be held in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME , 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
His funeral will be held on Saturday July 27, 2024 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Internment will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to McCauley House, 622 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI, 02907 or a charity of your choice.
Dear Alicia,Tom and Meghan, I am so sorry to have missed your father’s funeral. I would surely have been there if at all possible . He and your mother were dear and loving friends to us at Genesis.and AJ and I were ever grateful for their many kindnesses toward us and our family. He was a fine man and will surely be missed by you all. In my own life I have found great solace from these words by my favorite poet, Emily Dickinson,
“Unable are the loved to die
For Love is immortality,
Nay,, it is Deity/
Unable they that love- to die
For Love transforms Vitality
Into Divinity.”
Loving memories of you and your parents,
Angela Brosco
Prayers for Emmett and condolences to the family. I knew Emmett and Alice primarily through St. Luke’s Church but I would also see him at charity social events. He was a giving and gracious guy, a happy Christian! I attended the funeral Mass and was very touched by the family pall that wrapped him in ancestral love on his final journey back to them. God bless you all on the difficult days without him.
My condolences to the Cotter family. Emmett will be missed.
I first met Emmett when he was my history teacher at Pilgrim High School. Our friendship continued when I was teaching and he was the Social Studies Curriculum Director. We often spoke of our shared love for Western Civilization history. Emmett was a class favorite teacher and he was invited to and attended our 50th Reunion.
My all-time favorite memory of Emmett was when he worked with me at a Rolling Stones concert at Gillette Stadium in 1989. Who would have predicted that ?
Saddened to learn of Emmett’s passing. He was my 9th grade history teacher at WVMHS in the early 1960’s. He was simply outstanding.
Condolences to all who loved him.
Dear Family, we were so sad to learn of your Dad’s passing. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. He loved your Mom, Alice over the moon and you all also. What great fun it was to share a meal with your parents. We shared interesting and thoughtful conversation, much laughing. He was very proud of you all.
With sincerest condolences, Joy and Charles Wharton
Your Dad was a great teacher and a kind and considerate man. He was my teacher in my freshman year at a brand new Pilgrim High School! I last saw him at my 50th Pilgrim High reunion, which he graciously attended and spent time with many in my class. I was able to talk with him and give him a big hug. He will be missed!
Alicia, Thomas and Meghan,
Your dad was my favorite social studies teacher. His humor during class made this freshman more at ease during that first year of high school. When I look back, I remember the day my friend’s dog followed her to school and happened to have “found” her in our social studies class. Your dad asked the dog’s name (Pal) and then told my friend that the dog could stay, but as soon as it started asking questions Pal was out of there. lol
Years later, your dad was on the interview committee for a teaching job for which I had applied. It was good to see him again and know that his humor was still in tact. Yes, I did get the job! May your dad rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family.
I have fond memories of Alice and Emmett at Green Hill. Vibrant couple. Maureen Theodore
So sorry for your loss … Emmett was a good man, and I had the pleasure of working alongside him one summer many years ago… a “quality guy” who touched many people along his journey through life… he will be sorely missed… I will keep Emmett in my prayers.
Jim DeNuccio
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father taught with my husband, Paul, in the Warwick School system and I had such fond memories of them together. Always a quick wit and a gentleman. He and Alice were a perfect pair.
So sorry for you loss
I was sorry to hear of Emmett’s passing. He was my social studies teacher back in junior high (Gorton, 1970). A very kind but no-nonsense teacher. A great memory was Mr. Cotter taking the entire class to see the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! for a matinee at the Cinerama Theater on the East Side. One of my favorite teachers, and just a nice guy. My sincere condolences to his family.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Tom, Meghan and
Alicia. Your dad was such a charmer, such a character. He will be so missed.
Your Dad was a ray of sunshine. He always had a kind word and/or hug and always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He will be dearly missed by all who were luckey enough to have met him. My sincere condolences on the loss of a very special man. Love Laurie and David
Alicia, Tom and Meghan, so sorry for your loss. Fond memories of your Mom and Dad, and your wonderful family. Love and hugs, Becky and Lee Arnold
Alicia, My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Heidi&Chuck Keller
Dear Alicia, Tom and Meghan,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Beloved Father. He was a wonderful person and I was happy to know him and Alice.
Please extend my condolences to all the family. Much Love, Bette