AUBURN — Ronald M. Cote, 69, of Greene died Thursday, March 16, at The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on May 12, 1947, a son of the late Romeo and Theresa (Lavertue) Cote. He was educated in local schools and then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserve for 17 years. Ron married his one and only true love, the former Mary Philbrick, on April 1, 1967.

Ron worked for 25 years as a Lewiston firefighter, a job he was proud of and truly enjoyed. He also worked for Admiral Fire & Safety in Scarborough and North East Fire Equipment in Connecticut, fixing firetrucks.

Ron was a member of the local Firefighters Union IAFF Local 785. He loved working on firetrucks, woodworking and listening to old country music. His greatest joy was his grandchildren; he followed them in all their activities and seldom missed one. He had a great sense of humor and always had the best jokes. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Cote of Greene; his two children, Michele Fotheringham, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a son, Scott Cote, and his companion, Nancy Harkins, of Greene; his five grandchildren, Kelsey, Samantha, Jessica, Roan and Ilya; three sisters, Pauline Boucher of Lewiston, Calvin White and husband, Gordon, of Vermont, and Susan Shaw and husband, Eben, of Turner; five brothers, Reginald Cote and wife, Louise, of Lewiston, Richard Cote and partner, David Chapman, of Maryland, Frank Cote and wife, Rumiko, of California, Roger Cote and wife, Jeanne, of Ogunquit, and Marc Cote of Washington; his stepmother, Jeannine Cote, of Lewiston; three stepsisters, Pauline Eby of Maryland, Jackie Eschle and husband, John, of Massachusetts, and Louise Tancrede of Lewiston; three stepbrothers, Billy Pilote and partner, Carl Cicoine, of Friendship, Eugene Pilote and wife, Marion, of Poland, and Guy Pilote and wife, Sue, of Lewiston; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother, John Cote.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ronald’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com. 

Ronald M. Cote