Michael Alfred Coté, gentle giant
Michael Alfred Coté passed suddenly Friday, April 2, 2021. Mike was born June 4, 1948, to the late Alfred R. and Eveline Michaud Coté in Willimantic, Conn., where he resided until after college.
He attended St. Mary School and Windham High School. He received his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Connecticut, and shortly thereafter his CPA. He worked as an accountant for Peat Warwick Mitchell, Empire National Bank, Timex and Bangor Punta.
Mike married Dr. Barbara L. Tenney Oct. 22, 1983, in the presence of family and friends. In 1987 they purchased a Koenig Art Emporium store in Springfield, Mass., and welcomed their daughter, Lisa Michelle, to the world. Mike was a stay-at-home dad for 15 years, actively participating in Lisa’s schooling and instilling his love of family, empathy for others, and sense of humor in her. Mike and Barb retired to Delaware in 2011, and made a home for themselves in the community there. Mike joined the homeowners association board and the Milton Town Council, where he put his skills as a CPA to work.
Mike spent much of his free time capturing special moments and the beauty of the world through the lens of a camera, whether at family occasions, on walks around the neighborhood, at Nubble Light (a family favorite), or during travel adventures with family and friends. He also enjoyed working with his hands, showing his appreciation of wood through his favorite art pieces or finishing and building tables and cabinets to house his camera collection. He also found great joy (and frustration) in watching NY Giants football, Red Sox baseball, and UConn basketball. Mike loved attending weekly trivia nights with Barb each Friday under the team name “Gluttons for Punishment.”
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded by his youngest sister, Michelle.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 38 years, Dr. Barbara L. Tenney of Milton; his cherished daughter, Lisa Michelle Coté of Manchester, Conn.; his sister, Marianne Coté of Willimantic; his brother, Bill Coté and sister-in-law Paula Hodges of Fort Myers, Fla.; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends who have become family. His advice, kindness, and gentle-giant warmth will be missed by all.
Memorial Services will be private Saturday, April 10, at 2 p.m., by invitation only. Those in attendance must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing and gathering protocols. All others may watch the memorial service online at https://youtu.be/i1sQe_WFqg8 .
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory can be made to: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958, St. Mary Church Repair Fund, 80 Maple Ave., Willimantic, CT 06226, St. Joseph School New London, 25 Squire St., New London, CT 06320, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 759, Georgetown, DE 19947, or the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, 805 15th Street NW, Suite 410, Washington 20005.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.
