Roger O. Cote
Roger O. Cote, an animated resident of Hunt Community in Nashua, passed away on September 24, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and adventure. Born to Alfred and Annette (Chagnon) Cote, Roger was a lifelong Nashua resident, proudly educated in the local school system.
A veteran of World War II, Roger served in the Pacific aboard the USS Lewis Hancock (DD-675), where he exemplified bravery and commitment. After the war, he channeled his energy into a successful career with the International Paper Box Machine Company. As a Sales Service Technician, he traveled extensively across the U.S. and abroad, installing equipment and ultimately rising to the position of Sales Manager for Canada and foreign markets. In 1985, he took the entrepreneurial leap to start his own consulting business, retiring in 1999.
Roger’s passions extended far beyond his professional life. An avid candlepin bowler and skeet shooter, he thrived in competitive circles and loved every moment spent on the lanes or the range. His greatest joy, however, came from his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Joan (DesRoberts) Cote, and cherished his stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose laughter and love filled his life. Summers were particularly special for Roger, as he relished time spent with family at their summer camp in Kennebunk, Maine.
In addition to his family, Roger found community service. He was actively involved with the Civil Air Patrol, the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and was a proud member of American Legion Post #3 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5791 in Hudson, NH. His faith was equally important to him; he was a devoted communicant at St. Aloysius de Gonzaga Church in Nashua and attended St. Martha’s Church during the summer months in Kennebunk.
Roger is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan, his brother Normand Cote, and sisters Ann Pinette and Patricia D’Antoni. He leaves behind a loving family, including three stepdaughters–Debra and her husband Martin Gesel of Drummond, Montana; Donna and her husband Michael Tremblay of Goffstown, NH; Lisa and her husband Thomas Gomez of Virginia Beach, VA; and stepson Robert Roy of Ashburn, VA. He is also survived by ten grandchildren–Nicholas, Kris and his wife Tiffany, and Kyle Lindstrom; Benjamin Gesel; Brianna, Alex and his wife Sarah Tremblay; Dana (Gomez) Tanner and her husband Bob Tanner; Jared and his wife McKenna Gomez; Nicole and Michael Roy–and eight great-grandchildren- Violet, Jack, Jason and Sofie Lindstrom; Camden and Mackenzie Tremblay; Sophie Gomez and Benjamin Tanner. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Bourbeau, a brother Bernard and wife Barbara Cote and a brother in-law Dominic D’Antoni.
Roger will be remembered not just for his accomplishments, but for his warmth, humor, and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Aloysius de Gonzaga Church, honoring a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever remain in our hearts. Roger will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on October 11, 2024 at 9:00 AM.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hunt Community in Nashua for the exceptional care and support they provided Roger during his final years. Your kindness and compassion made a meaningful difference in his life.
In lieu of flowers, Roger requested that donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to the care of ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com