"It's been such a long year. You're both in my dreams and I love that. Kathy"
In loving memory of
Donald and Geraldine Cottle
August 25, 2006
Donald W. Cottle Geraldine T. McCarthy Cottle Portsmouth, RI - Donald W. Cottle Geraldine T. McCarthy Cottle, of 110 Robin Road, Portsmouth, RI, formerly of Baldwinsville, NY, and Syracuse, NY, died Friday, August 25, 2006, at home. Mr. Cottle was born in Plainfield, NJ on November 24, 1921, he was the son of the late Joseph H. and Mildred Swick Cottle.Mr. Cottle was an electrical engineer for over 50 years, having worked for 20 years at General Electric in Syracuse, NY, and retiring from Raytheon, Submarine Signal Division, in Portsmouth, after 22 years. He was a Veteran of the US Amry and the Army Air Corp, serving during WWII in the South Pacific. He was an alumnus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT. Mr. Cottle was very involved in the community, having served on the school committees in Baldwinsvile, NY, and Portsmouth, RI. He also served as Chairman of the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee, and as Secretary of Operation Clean Government in Rhode Island. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Church. Don was a great lover of the outdoors. He was active with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs for many years in both Baldwinsville, NY and Portsmouth, RI. He loved sailing his home made gaff rigged skiff, and never missed and opportunity to go for a swim at McCorrie Point.Mrs. Cottle was born in Cambridge, MA, on June 1, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Dennis and Lillian Murphy McCarthy.Prior to her marriage to Don, she worked as a legal secretary in Boston. Once married, she devoted herself to raising their 5 children. She was a Cub Scout Den Leader for many years, and was active in the local PTAs. She volunteered with the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels Programs. Gerry was an avid reader and knitter, and loved to bake wedding cakes. She was known for her famous apricot brandy pound cake. Mrs. Cottle was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church.Mr. Cottle was the brother of Kathryn E. Bogardus of Cherry Hill, NJ, and the late Virginia Hogan.Mrs. Cottle was the sister of John J. McCarthy of Alrington, MA, Eileen M. McCarthy of Cambridge, MA and Cecelia F. Santa of Lincoln, MA. They were the parents of Christopher J. Cottle of Jamestown, RI, Brian D. Cottle of Portsmouth, RI, Bruce A. Cottle of North Chelmsford, MA, Kathleen M. Anderson of Stillwater, MN, and Elizabeth E. Rodrigues of Fall River, MA, and grandparents of eight grandchildren Kevin Cottle, Brian Gregory Cottle, Jordan Cottle, Jeremy Cottle, Corey Rodrigues, Seth Rodrigues, Casey Anderson, and Kelly Anderson.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2006, from 4-8p.m. in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, followed by a Memorial Service in celebration of the lives of Donald W. Cottle and Geraldine T. Cottle.The funeral for Geraldine T. Cottle will be held on Friday September 8, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life at 10:00a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. A private burial, for family and close friends, will be held in St. Columba?s Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02903.
Tributes
"Happy Birthday Mom.... We all miss and love you. Love Beth XXOO"
"Mom and Dad We love and miss you so much... 8 months later. Kathy"
"During 16 years working at Raytheon SSD I was enjoying having Don for my always supportive mentor. Martha and I grieve the loss of the Cottles, of which we only accidentally became aware on Sunday September 17"
"I am so sorry for your great loss! In about 1978 I was applying for a professional engineer's license and was required to obtain the signature of a registered professional engineer. I was introduced to Donald, who took the time to find out a few things about me before he signed. He didn't have to do that but felt that it should be done. I remember he was always grinning and will miss his smiling face. I pray that God will wrap His arms around your family, draw you even closer to Him, and give you rest."
"Joe and I served with Don on the Operation Clean Government Board of Directors for many years. We also saw him often the past few years at Charlie Silverman's. We have had both Don and Gerry as guests at our home and will miss them dearly. We are so sorry for your family's loss. Sandy & Joe Mellen"
"Dear Beth and the entire Cottle Family, I am so saddened to hear about the loss of your parents. They were wonderful people. I have many memories of your mom in the kitchen and conversations with your dad so many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Donna"
"You and your parents are remembered in our daily prayers. May our Lord bless and keep you now and always. Fr. Ed New England Vikings MC"
"Ann and Bruce, I'm so sorry we can't be with you but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need you know we are here for you and the boys. Our deepest condolences to your entire family. Be strong, time will heal the wounds. All our love and prayers, Kathleen, Joshua, Rebecca and Nicholas"
"Beth, it was nice to see you again last night. I am very sorry for your loss and hope you find strength with all your loved ones and many friends. I always thought of you as a wonderful person so it's nice to think that right now you are surrounded by great people to help you get by. Please don't hesitate, even though it's been years, to contact me for support or if there is anything that I can do for you and your family. Take care. With sympathy Lysa Amaral aka MRC co-worker, fellow NEVMC member"
"Dear Chris and Beth, I send you both and your entire family my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your parents. You are all in my heart and prayers at this most difficult time. Most Sincerely, Judi"
"Dear Cottle Family, Please accept our most sincere sympathy on the loss of both your parents. Loosing one is most difficult; loosing two must be overwhelming. In thought and prayer, Rick and Mary-Lou Mancini New England Vikings Motorcycle Club."
"Bruce & Ann, Steve Wiant called with the sad news of your parents' passing. It's been a long long time since the soccer days - many many fond memories. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers, Most Sincerely, Don, Jill Paige, TJ and Quinn Schildkamp"
"Liz sorry to hear about your loss. Elaine Emond e-mailed me about it...My thoughts are with you....Bubba...New England Vikings M/C"
"Dear Brian, Kathy and all of the Cottle Family, We so admired your parents and we will always keep them in our memories and prayers. Please accept our deepest condolences."
"I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Beth, We are so sorry for the loss of your parents. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Brian, I am so very sorry for the loss of your parents. I just learned of this tonight. I'll be thinking of you. My deepest sympathy to you and your family."
"Dear Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Debbie...NEVMC"
"To My Best Friend Beth and family I have tried several times to put in words how sadden I am of the loss of your parents. For the short time that I had the opportunity of knowing them, I only have wonderful memories of both of them. One memory always comes to mind is when both of your parents joined us at my daughter's college concert and showed great enjoyment of the music. The visits to their home where they always welcomed me as part of the family. The love between both of them was remarkable. Beth you have been there for me these past 4 years with helping to cope with the loss of Mike my husband and now I hope I can do the same for you and your family. I am here any time of the day or night for you and all the members of your family. All couples should be as lucky to share the love like your parents had for each other."
"Dear Bruce, Ann and the rest of The Cottle Family, Please accept our deepest and heartfelt message of sympathy for the sudden loss of your parents. Our prayers are being sent to our Dear Lord, so he can comfort your aching heart. Please be sure that all the pleasant memories of your parents will guard your life in the years ahead. We love you and feel your pain during these difficult moments. Warmly, Liliana, Julio, Rose & Carlos"
"To the Cottle Family, We send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the loss of your dear parents. They were our friends, and we share your grief at their passing. They are in our prayers,and we pray also that God will help you comfort each other, and ease your pain with loving memories. God bless you all, Ed and Clare Hayes"
"I'm sorry that we can't be with you. Please accept our condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take Care of yourselves. Love, Dale and David"
"Very sorry to hear of this. I didn't know your parents but from reading the memorial and other comments made from family and frinds, and from personally knowing Chris I can tell that they were wonderful people who did wonderful things. My hearfelt sympathy to the entire family."
"Cherishd memories I shall hold close to my heart of my Aunt Gerry and Uncle Don and all our times together in Syracuse, RI,camping, my wedding cake created by Gerry, and family gatherings.Love Denise, Curt, Ashley, & Alex."
"Dear Kathy, Brian and family, Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your parents. Debbie, Tony and family"
"Bruce & The Cottle Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I wish you all the best and hope you're able to find comfort in each other. Regards, Jim"
"Dear Bruce, Ann, and Boys: Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your parents / grandparents. Words cannot express how sorry we are about your loss. Just know that others are near by in case you need a shoulder to cry on or just a few words to get you through this very difficult time. Take one day at a time. Please let us know if there is any way we can help."
"To the Cottle Family: I grew up at 81 Williams Street near the Cottles Home. I am Frank "Sugar" Roggero's daughter, Debbie. My family and yours were the orginal crew of McCorrie Lane. And How we all pulled together. My Mom walking her cat,and My dad telling the Cottles about having such a great day playing golf, My brothers Jim and Tim always saying "God can that man swim"! And wanting to join him to swim out to the boats and to the bouys.My brother Jimmy,who now lives in the family homestead will, forever take care of your beach and bouys for as long as he can swim. I live in Florida now, but my heart and love and all the memories I will ever take with me will be of living down McCorrie Lane . Mr and Mrs Cottle will forever be in my heart, for being just like one of us. They will be greatly missed. My prays to you all."
"Kathy- Your friends here in Stillwater send you our love and prayers during this most difficult time. Peace be with you and your family. Sue"
"I am a friend of Marjorie and Chris Cottle. I met Chris' parents at his wedding and have come to know Gerry and Don through the family memories Marjorie and Chris have shared with me over the years. I also learned a lot about Gerry and Don by knowing their children. Both their children and the family memories have shown me what wonderful, giving, and loving people they were. They will be so missed by all. My very sincerest condolances to their family."
"I came to know Don through Operation Clean Government. He was always so thorough in his consideration of the many issues that came before the board and was never bashful with his comments when it was decision making time. We missed him greatly when he left the board. My condolences to the family and friends of Don and Gerry. Sincerely, June Spink"
"For twelve years we lived on Robin Road close to Don and Geri's home. They were fine people, good community members and good neighbors. I will forever hold them in high esteem for the contributions they made to our neighborhood and our community. My husband Ed and I will keep you all in our prayers."
"My daughter, Kirsten, and I were in Chris' and Marjorie's wedding in 1982, and, of course, my husband Jerry was with us. We were touched by the love shown by Mr. and Mrs. Cottle for their family, including their new daughter-in-law. Our prayers are with you all in your loss."
"Dear Cottle Family, My kids and I became aware of your Dad just this summer, sailing on the beach with MaryAnn. If you were to ask anyone in our neighborhood, just about everyone would know who your Dad was and would have a kind word or memory to share. Like the tide, he was something that you could count on. Every afternoon, he'd be down at the beach, taking time to make sure that things were going as they should, always with a kind word and an explanation. Not knowing him well enough, we had our own name for him, 'the old man who goes swimming every day'. We really would see him everyday. He loved the Point and he cared for it. I imagine that he took time to care for and enjoy many of the things that gave him pleasure. He also took the time to share his wisdom with his neighbors to make sure that everyone could enjoy the beach as much as he did. McCorrie Point is the place that will always remind us of him. I can close my eyes and picture him walking into the water and swimming out to his buoys."
"Dear Family, I wanted to share a memory with you. During the summer I have seen Donald many times swimming at McCorrie beach and admired his dedication. Just a few days before they passed away, he came out to me in the water and kindly asked if I could avoid sailing in the "swimming buoy lane." I explained that I had just bought an old Sunfish, was just learning to sail, and had drifted back into the wrong side of the beach. Not on purpose. We laughed and then chatted a bit. Later on, I passed him going back to my house with my 3 kids and various beach stuff hanging out of my car. I thought he was so nice that I stopped, rolled down the window and chatted briefly again about the beach before moving on. They will be missed. -"
"A Smile and A Wave A smile and a wave, the first time we met On a sunny day, at the beach I'd bet You would fold your towel, just the right way Placing your shoes, on top that day Going for a swim, I would yell Oh yes the waters fine, can't you tell McCorrie Point Beach, is were you would swim Or take out your sails, and follow the wind You put out the bouys, to keep us all safe You did a great job, with a smile on your face Thanks for taking care of us, for so many years I'll take care of your bouys, I'll start this year We will miss you both, with your smiles and your waves But I think the beach will miss you most It will never be the same Our thoughts are with you during this time. Your parents will be very missed."
"Chris - so sorry and shocked to hear this awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sally"
"Our Prayers are with you at this sad time."
"Beth, Corey, and Seth Thinking of you at this difficult time. Having cared for Corey and Seth for many summers, they were so close to their grandparents. They would get so excited when they were being picked up by Gramma and Grampa Cottle and looked forward to going swimming with Grampa. Tony and Elaine Faria"
"Dear Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about your parents. They were wonderful members of the Portsmouth Community. My late husband, Dr. Robert Davidson, always had kind words for your Dad as he worked on various committees with him. May wonderful family memories sustain you grieve this difficult loss. Sincerely, Rosemary Davidson and Family"
"To the entire Cottle family. My sincerest condolences to you all. I am a friend of Bruce and Ann's and my son is a friend of Jeremey's. My thoughts, prayers and symphathies to you during this very difficult time. May god hold you in his hands and give you the comfort and warmth you need during this time. Blessings and love to all, maria"