John Robert Cote

Johnny was born in Fort Lauderdale to John & Michelle Coté on March10th, 1987. Johnny was a truly happy baby, smiling at everyone he met andan even more enthusiastic and energetic little boy. Johnny was so observanteven at the age of 3 when he noticed his 1 1/2 year old sister Kelly fall in thedeep end of the pool! Intuitively, he ran over and pulled his sister out of thepool saving her life (No doubt his Guardian Angel had his strong handkeeping Johnny from falling in as well!) Kelly and Johnny had a life-longbond of love and respect that will be cherished by Kelly forever!

Johnny loved instructing his brother James in the finer skills of baseball andstreet hockey; constantly reenforcing the high value of a “team mentality”and to always give 100% on the ball field! Johnny was always entertained byhis little brother’s sweet yet comical ways and it was Johnny that set the lifelongexample to his 3 younger siblings of not even having a hint of sibling rivalry!Honestly, none of them ever did!

Then when his (10years difference) little sister Kimberly arrived this “bigbrother” stepped up to a whole new level of protecting her and love thatstayed with Johnny and Kimberly lasting into their adult lives.

Johnny’s Dad & Mom remember his reverence when he heard Biblicallessons from his parents, and teachings from his Grandma Doris, his pastorsor radio teachers. Also, the supreme enjoyment he received from horsing aroundwith the little, rambunctious boy cousins (Zach & Josh-now bothover 6’) to interacting with the little, sweetheart girl cousins (Gabrielle,Rebecca, Annabelle & Danielle-now each one lovely young ladies in highschool/college) from his utmost respect for all four of his mentoringgrandparents and gregarious French relatives to the fun-loving banterbetween his 14 cousins nearer his age. Johnny has all 5 of his aunts statinghow Johnny would light up a room with his beautiful smile and gorgeousgreen eyes and then leave everyone laughing uncontrollably with his fun lovingantics.

Anyone who knew Johnny knew that baseball was his passion. Johnny waschosen at 8 years old to be part of the Bulldogs Travel Team for severalyears. It was at this time where one of his coaches, Erik Kuschel Sr. gaveJohnny the nickname “357” for the speed and accuracy of Johnny’s pick-offthrow. Another one of his coaches, Kevin Martin Sr. became a source ofencouragement many times for Johnny as a teenager and even more recentlywhen Johnny needed direction while in Jacksonville.

He went to Highlands Christian Academy at Pompano Beach playing Varsitybaseball beginning in 7th grade through his Sophomore year with CoachChris Harrison stating, “Loved you like a son! The best ball player I’ve evercoached!” Johnny also attended Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale andthen graduating from Fort Lauderdale High School Class of 2005 bothVarsity baseball teams highly valuing his keen competitive and teammentality. He was known to have words of deeply felt appreciation for everyone of his coaches saying that he “learned from each and every one.”

He graduated from Broward College with an AS Degree in BuildingConstruction Technology and earned certification as a Building ConstructionSpecialist. Johnny was trained as a Water Restoration Technician by owner,Gary Ackel of Tri-County All Restorations and then went on to form a deepfriendship with his mentor and owner, Mike Garber of AAA WaterRestoration working in that industry for over 6 years. For the last 5 years hewas part of Don Arpin’s Construction company who stated he was“enthusiastic, full of energy, warm and loving life” and spoke of loving hisparents. Johnny’s mother remembers the time when Johnny was working fora new construction company when the owner asked if any of the guys everbuilt a dock before. Johnny volunteered loving such a challenge and did sucha great job that he got 2 other jobs from neighbors who saw the quality ofwork!

He was involved in Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Men’s Softball Leaguefor 5 years as their dominating short stop, volunteering 5 years with theGalleria Mall Christmas Nativity CRPC church outreach, and Men’sMinistry. Johnny also assisted Coach Rich Hofman as his PA announcer athis Hall of Fame Tournaments at Pompano Fields for the last 2 years andwas scheduled this year as well if not for the pandemic. He was also proudto manage last year’s Co-ed Softball Team sponsored by Galuppi’sRestaurant; he had a blast. Johnny was an avid softball player playing on 2teams each year.

Johnny loved fishing and would often wake up early to throw some casts offthe beach. He also found gardening and creating collages therapeutic andrewarding. We attribute his life long, strong interest in history, geographyand science with the 10 years he was home schooled. He never stoppedlearning as he would watch countless documentaries with a globe near by forreference all throughout his life.

Johnny is preceded in death by Grandparents James Joseph Audet & JoAnneAudrey -Pfeiffer- Audet and Grandmother Doris Marie -Fleurant- Coté, andCousin Robert Kenneth Martin.

Johnny is survived by Sister Kelly Ann Duame and (spouse) Phillip Duame,Brother James Joseph Coté, and Sister Kimberly Michelle Coté; ParentsJohn Fleurant Coté and Michelle Rene -Audet- Coté; Grandfather RobertEmile Cote and the joy of Johnny’s life, Nephew Jackson Tyler Duame. Aswell as the vast extended family he loved immensely of aunts, uncles,cousins, teammates, work associates and friends.

The family of John & Michelle Coté wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitudeto our Pastor Rob and Jen Pacienza, their children and all our churchcommunity at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church who have been an incrediblesource of encouragement with many kindnesses.

A service to Celebrate the Life of John will be announced at a later date.