Maurice “Birdie” T. Cote Sr., age 99, passed away November 18, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Rita M. (Lajeunesse) Cote with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of Jeremie and Laurentine (Levesque) Cote. Maurice served in the United States Army during World War II. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He worked as a cable splicer for New Bedford Gas and Electric/NStar for 32 years. He also worked as a driver at Rock and Waring-Sullivan for 33 years until he retired at age 93.
He enjoyed serving his country as a paratrooper. Later in life he enjoyed dancing, cribbage, poker, going to the casino, running bus trips, bird watching, and playing the harmonica. He was a regular at the Acushnet Senior Center and was a member of the Freetown VFW.
Survivors include a daughter Dianne M. Frey and her husband Paul of Acushnet, 3 sons Maurice T. Cote, Jr. and his wife Rose of Middletown, RI, Richard T. Cote of Mattapoisett, Paul R. Cote and his wife Melissa of Londonderry, NH, 9 grandchildren; Kathleen and Jeremie Frey, Richard and Nicole Cote, Melissa Macomber, Kaffa, Anissa, Jared and Amara Cote, four great-grandchildren; Samuel Cash Cote, Dylan Cote, Cody Macomber and Makayla Macomber, and his companion, Laura Bertrand. He was predeceased by 10 siblings and his daughter-in- law Joanne Cote.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Saturday December 15, 2018 at 8am at St Joseph St Therese Church, Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford. Burial Private. Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. For tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18