Mr. Richard R. Cote

Mr. Richard R. Cote, 60, of Dalton passed away suddenly on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Berlin, NH on September 25, 1958 the eldest son of Helen Murray Cote and the late Rosaire Cote, he attended Berlin High School in New Hampshire. He received his Bachelors of Education from Keene State University which he was able to attend after receiving a scholarship to compete as a ski jumper, and his Masters of Education from Westfield State University. Before his current position as a Special Education teacher at Reid Middle School, Rich taught at Hibbard Alternative School. Over his thirty plus years of teaching, he also taught in the residential school system including Colburn School and Hillcrest Educational Centers. Rich was an avid sailor who dedicated many years of his life to teaching others to sail. After managing the YMCA marina for many years he founded Berkshire Community Sailing, a non-profit sailing club. He was previously the Dean of Sailing for the Red Cross of Northeastern New York’s National Aquatic School and the head coach of the Williams College Sailing team. When not on the water Rich could be found at Elm St. Martial Arts where he attained the rank of Kyoshi 7 Dan. He devoted over 30 years to studying and teaching karate, participating in local tournaments and teaching an afterschool program at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Rich had also returned to a favorite old hobby and spent many hours golfing with friends and family. Most recently he had purchased and started rebuilding his dream home in the woods of Cummington. Besides his mother of New Hampshire, he is survived by his daughter Erin Landquist and her husband Brian, daughter Nicole Walsh her husband Corey and daughter Kelly Cote. He is also leaving behind five grandchildren Guinevere, Molly, Charlotte, Brian, and Theodore. Rich will also be missed by his former wife Lori Cote and siblings Carl Cote, Gerry Cote, and Christine O’Hara along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Donald Cote. Rich is also leaving behind his companion Wendy Stebbins. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Richard R. Cote will be Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, with the Rev. Peter Naranjo, officiating. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening, October 30, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elm St. Martial Arts for the Rich Cote Scholarship Fund in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Richard R. Cote

September 25, 1958 - October 26, 2018