Colonel Paul Roger Coté, USA Ret., of Ponte Vedra, Fla. (formerly of Mount Laurel, N.J.) died June 26.
Born in Lowell, Mass., he graduated from Boston English HS, was a member of the Boston College Class of 1958 and received a MBA from Syracuse University. He was a career Army officer and received many honors, commendations and medals including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Medal with Palm for individual heroism. He also received the honorary title of “Kentucky Colonel” for his contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Col. Coté was an artillery officer who served with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He was a military science professor for Army R.O.T.C at LaSalle University and later worked within the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, NASA and completed his career of service to his country at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
Colonel Coté is preceded in death by his son Kevin Charles Coté. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Suzanne (Reiley) Coté, son David Alan Coté and wife Fran of Charleston, S.C., son John Richard Coté of Philadelphia, Pa., son Robert Anthony Coté of Dubai, UAE, grandchildren Reiley Katherine Coté and Kevin Walker Coté and beloved Golden Retriever “Charlie.”
A memorial service with full military honors will be planned in late August at Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
