Michael R. Cote

2/27/1955-12/16/2025 (age 70)

The family of Michael R. Cote is extremely sad to announce his unexpected passing on 12/16/2025 at RI Hospital after a short illness. He was deeply loved and will be terribly missed by his devoted wife of 38 years Deborah (Davis) Cote of Seekonk, MA, his loving daughter Allison Cote (husband Jonathan Cochrane) and grandson Rowan of Bristol, CT.

Michael was born and raised in Fall River, MA, and he graduated from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, later pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Rhode Island College and a Master’s degree at Lesley University. He was the son of the late Cecile (deVillers) Cote and James Cote II. He was the brother of James Cote III of Fall River, MA, Jocelyn Cote-Medeiros (husband Messias Medeiros) of Swansea, MA, and the late Stephen Cote (wife Viktoria Heath) of Benicia, CA. He was also the beloved uncle to Alicia Medeiros (husband James Reynolds), Sarah Medeiros, Ernest Heath, Alina Cote, Jackie Davis Casavant (husband Casey Casavant), Matthew Davis (wife Rachael Davis), Christopher Davis (wife Hallie Davis), Colin Davis and Lauren Davis.

Michael worked as a special education teacher at Durfee High School in Fall River, MA, the New Bedford public school system and the Attleboro Public School system. He later worked over thirty years as a teacher in the Providence School System teaching pre-k, elementary and middle school students and was an active member in the teacher’s union. In his younger years he served his country in the US Coast Guard Reserves stationed at Castle Hill in Newport, RI.

As a teenager/young adult, he played guitar and sang with his brother Stephen in various coffee houses and folk groups. He also performed at many weddings, including his baby sister’s wedding. His love of music continued as he attended many concerts through the years, especially his daughter’s numerous flute performances.

He took great pride in his home and was frequently working on home improvements. He enjoyed refinishing furniture and exercising at the local YMCA. In retirement, he spent most evenings in comfortable companionship beside his wife watching the Celtics or reading a good book. He was an avid reader of the New York Times with a special interest in tax law, economics, and finance. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Rowan, and caring for his dogs. Michael was a kind man, a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather who never missed a moment to say, “I love you.” His family will always remember him for his quiet and gentle disposition.

In leu of flowers, the family is asking for donation to American Diabetes Association or Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the Waring-Sullivan at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd, Swansea, MA 02777. Relatives and friends are invited. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com