He was born to Harold and Edna (Mead) Coty on May 4, 1935 in Pittsfield, MA.
Preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Patricia, and son, Thomas. He is survived by his children, Steven (Donna) of Hancock, NH, Michael (Rebecca) of Thompson, CT, Kathleen Perra (Scott) of Sullivan, NH, Cecilia Scranton (James) of Chesterfield, NH, and Sarah White (Christopher) of Feeding Hills, MA; in addition to 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Charles (Marilyn) of Pittsfield, MA, his brother-in-law Gerald Goulet of Suffield, CT, and his sister-in-law Nancy Goulet of Cromwell, CT, and many nieces and nephews. Hal also leaves behind his companion of many years, Esther Breckenridge. They made a home together and enjoyed years of travel, visiting historic cities and museums, activities with the Elks organization, and hosting company. He also enjoyed many happy occasions with Esther’s children, Kevin (Leslie) Breckenridge of Hope Valley, RI and Linda (Ken) Clifford of Methuen, MA.
After graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1953, Hal was drafted into the Army in 1954, was stationed in West Germany, and served his country until 1956. He was honorably discharged at the rank of specialist third class. It was at this time that he moved on in search of gainful employment in Hartford, CT. Fortunate for Patricia, his plan worked, and he had a job when they met.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (CT) marked the beginning of his career as a tool designer. After 11 years and five children, the Coty clan migrated north to Patricia’s home state, Vermont. General Electric was the next stop, and after four years of machine tool experience, the family moved to the place all would eventually call home, Keene, NH, and completed their family with one more child. Hal was a sales engineer at Kingtool. While one may think of Old Sturbridge Village is the only town landmark, Hal put Coherent General (MA) on the map (for his family) in 1980, as a job change brought him work as a manager of sales engineers with laser machining systems for 13 years.
After his retirement from Coherent General, Hal went out on his own as an independent business owner. During this time, soon after Patricia passed, he relocated back home to New Hampshire. In retirement, Hal volunteered his time with the American Red Cross as well as delivering meals to homebound residents – often listening to their stories and being a friend.
Hal had many interests that he kept up, including woodworking, eating pasta, rooting for the Patriots and the Yankees, being an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #927 in Keene, enjoying a good history book, and playing cards. He taught his kids not to cut in cribbage and how to play poker, both important life skills. He will be missed by family and friends.
Please join the family in a celebration of life on Sunday, November 11th at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Calling hours are from 11am-1pm, followed by a short service. The Benevolent Order of Elks will offer their prayer service at the funeral home at noon. The burial will be family only at a later date.
Hal is thankful for the care received during his time final days at home with Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services. Donations may be made in his name to support their services and mailed to PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431-0564.
