Alfred Marcelino Cota Sr.

Al was born May 23, 1946 in Santa Barbara, Ca. to Pete R. Cota and Nancy E. Cota. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1964. He was a rifleman in the US Marine Corp where he served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five stars, Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devices, Rifle Expert Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Purple Heart.

His life work was dedicated to serving his community such as working for the US Forrest Service fighting fires, serving as a police officer, and as a paramedic for City Ambulance in Eureka Ca. where he retired in June 2001. He loved camping, fishing, and the outdoors. Al was preceded in death by his parents Pete R. and Nancy E. Cota, sister Pauline Morello, and grandson Andrew Cota. Al is survived by his sister Rolyne Grider, daughter Dana (Kevin) Spade, daughter Debbie (Evan) Lyman, son Michael (Karen) Cota, son Christopher (Iris) Cota, daughter Meagan (Pablo) Zargoza, son Alfred Jr. (Winnie) Cota, son Ernie (Sarah) Cota, daughter Sara Cota, daughter Nancy Cota, daughter Jessica Cota, 19 grandchildren and 1 great grand child.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Belcrest Memorial Cemetery on Monday August 31, 2015 at 12:00PM where Al will receive full Military Honors.