Roland Gerard Cote

Roland Gerard Cote - 83, of Lewiston, peacefully passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, in the home of his birth with family by his side. Roland was born on July 27, 1939 in Lewiston to William and Cecile (Dupuis) Cote. He was a 1958 graduate of Lewiston High School where he played football.

He married Nancy (Andrews) on November 22, 1959 and they had four children. After Nancy’s passing, he married lifelong friend Pauline Houle on August 11, 2000, and added six step- children to his family.

Roland worked in his family dairy, one of the largest dairies in Southern Maine at the time, alongside his father and two brothers. In 1978, the Cote family transitioned the dairy to the famous Cote’s Ice Cream providing the community with delicious, unique ice cream flavors. Upon retirement, Roland continued to work part-time at Smile Again Dental with good friend, Mike Adkins.

Roland became interested in public speaking and was a member of Toastmasters. He was also a member of the Lewiston Jaycees, The North American Ice Cream Association, The New England Ice Cream and Restaurant Association, and The Lewiston High School Class of 1958 Reunion Committee.

Roland had a love for life, people and food - he never passed up a good doughnut. He never met a stranger and had a unique gift for making people feel like family. Roland’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and he could often be found attending their various sporting events cheering them on. He also loved traveling in his motorhome, spending many winters in Nashville and Florida, and frequenting local fairs and festivals, especially the Fryeburg Fair.

Roland was part of a friend group of six couples that have been friends since high school known as the Dirty Dozen. The remaining six friends still get together as often as possible - Pauline Cote, Joan Villani, Claudette Roy, Barbara Varney, John and Lou Fortunato.

Roland is predeceased by parents Cecile and William Cote, wife Nancy, daughter Suzie, brother Ray, brother-in-law Richard Varney, brother-in-law Walter (Andy) Andrews, brother-in- law James (Simone) Taylor and stepson, Daniel Therrien.

Roland is survived by wife Pauline of Lewiston, daughter Pam (Gil) Soucy of Winthrop, Dan (Sheri) of Arizona, and Steve of Monmouth, step daughters Debbie Carpenter of Spring Hill TN, Sandra (Jim) Zaccari of Nashville TN and stepsons John Therrien (Rochelle) of Lewiston, Tim Houle (Courtney) of Nashville, TN and Brian Houle of Lewiston, brother Paul (Nancy) of Lewiston, sister Simone Taylor of Cornish, sister-in-law Barbara Varney, brother-in-law Nel Anctil, seven grandchildren, 15 step grandchildren, 4 great grand children and 13 step great grandchildren.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Saturday July 22nd from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St, AUBURN Me. immediately followed by Liturgy of the Word at 1:00pm at the Fortin Funeral Home in AUBURN and a committal service at St. Peters Cemetery on Deer Rd in Lewiston.

To join the live stream, offer your condolences or share your memories of Roland you may go to www.thefortingroupauburn.com