Roland E. Cote

April 3, 1919 - July 7, 2009

Roland E. Cote 1919 - 2009 Springfield - Roland E. �Pop-O� Cote, 90, died in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on July 7, 2009. He was born in Springfield on April 3rd, 1919, eldest son of the late Albert and Lillian (Yelle) Cote, his brother Julian Coty of Savannah, Georgia died in 2008. Roland was a graduate of Holyoke High School and went on to play semi-pro AAA baseball. He was a former 45 year Springfield resident until moving to Florida. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1936-1938 and proudly served in the US Navy during WWII receiving a citation for excellent and conspicuous service in the line of duty when his ship the USS Charles J. Badger suffered severe damage in action against the enemy on April 9, 1945. He was previously employed as the Bookmobile operator for the city of Springfield and as a heavy equipment operator at Westover Air Force Base. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 61, past member of American Legion Post 337, both of Springfield, the Disabled American Veterans, and volunteered at different hospitals. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ruth (Boucher) Cote, his five children: Bernard Cote, Thomas Cote, Faith Pippin, Elizabeth Cote, and Alan Cote. Also four stepchildren: Edwin Enoch, Sharon Clark, Jacqueline Tracy, and Claudia Borowski, twenty grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His family and friends embrace his memory as a hard working and devoted father and grandfather. He exemplified strength, integrity, and a strong will to do what he felt was right. Always the life of the party, Roland Cote is remembered by friends and family for his wonderful sense of humor and the warm memories he brought to all their lives. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the funeral on Friday July 17th for an 11am service at St. Barnabas and All Saints Church, 41 Oakland Street in Springfield. Committal services will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main St. Agawam. The Messier Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roland�s memory may be directed to the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, 233 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for directions and an online guestbook. Messier Funeral Home 532-5491