FARMINGTON — Philip E. Cote, 80, of Farmington, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Sandy River Center for Healthcare.

He was born May 20, 1932, in Madison, a son of Emile L. and Gertrude (Metivier) Cote. He graduated from Stephen’s High School in Rumford, where he was a kicker of the football team.

On Jan. 2, 1954, he married Anita Arsenault in Mexico. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Philip got his start in the printing business while being stationed in Arizona.

While in high school, he went to work for the Rumford Falls Times, later at the Kennebec Journal and Eagle Publishing in Gardiner. He then started his own publishing business, Comet Publishing before going to work for the Franklin Journal in Farmington, serving as the general manager from 1972 to 1994.

He was a former member of the Gardiner Lions Club, having served as King Lion, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion in Farmington, where he was a past commander, the Farmington Elks Lodge, West Farmington Fire Department, the Farmington Horseman’s Association and the Farmington Fair Association.

An accomplishment he was very proud of was his award of the Graphic Arts Award from the 100th Century Club’s. Other proud involvement for Philip was his work in cooking meals for the Farmington American Legion every Tuesday night, KVAC banquets and American Legion banquets.

He also owned horses with Jack and Geri Novia and coached youth football and baseball in Fairbanks.

He will forever be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor.

Philip is survived by his wife, Anita Cote of Farmington; children, Donna Gilbert and her husband, Douglas, of Dixfield, Diana Leighton and her husband, Dale, of Union, Danita Gilbert and her husband, James, of Wilton, Debra Seeley and her husband, Daniel, of Chesterville and Dana Cote of Camden; grandchildren, Peter Gilbert and his wife, Sarah, of Stephens City, Va., ET2 Derrick Gilbert and his wife, Michelle, of Chesapeake, Va., Sara Gilbert of Wilton, Abigail Gilbert of Wilton, Deidre Gilbert of Rumford, Alex Gilbert of Wilton and Jordan Cote of Hope; siblings, Evelyn Hotham of Rumford, Meg Wermenchuk of Biddeford, Jack Cote of Rumford, Remi Cote of Rumford, Marie Woods of Rumford and Deborah Anderson of Portland; several nieces, nephews and godchildren; and special friends.

He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Cote.

Philip’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Kristine Sanden, Dr. Alan Ingraham, Georgia Pratt, Kevin Quigley, Rick from Hanger and the nurses and staff of Sandy River and CMMC and the Rehab Dept.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Philip’s family and friends on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.

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