Ernest P. Cote

Ernest P. "Sonny" Cote, 78, of Manchester, died with his loving family by his side on September 16, 2015 at Elliot Hospital following a long illness.

He was born in Manchester on December 17, 1936 to Henri and Marie (Caron) Cote. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army Airborne 11th Division, 188th Regiment K Company and later served and was retired by the U.S. Navy.

Ernie worked as a production mechanic for many years at Pandora, Sylvania and Electronic Corporation of America (ECA). This field of work provided a lifelong passion for all things mechanical. Prior to full retirement, he became a school bus driver for Manchester and Bedford where his young passengers fondly referred to him as "Pappy", a term of endearment he wore proudly.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the National Rifle Association and supported many other veterans organizations.

He and the love of his life enjoyed being each other's dance partner, whether ballroom or, their later in life pursuit of, square dancing. He was also an accomplished and avid bowler and an honest golfer.

He was predeceased by his beloved and selfless wife of 43 years, Solange L. "Sally" (Beliveau) Cote, in 2003; and by two brothers, Edmond Cote and Donald Cote.

The family includes three children, Marie J. Bodi and her husband, Mark, of Portsmouth, Daniel P. Cote of Groton, CT and Gerald "Gerry" Cote of Manchester; three grandchildren, Heather Marie Cote, Jennifer Lee Cote and Christopher Daniel Cote all of Connecticut; three brothers, Albert "Kiyi" Cote of Litchfield, Alfred M. Cote of Manchester and Lucien Cote of Pinardville; a very special, loving and caring, sister in law, Pauline Thibault of Manchester and Zephyrhills, FL; a former son in law, Kirk Roth; the mother of his grandchildren, Sheri L. Cote of Quaker Hill, CT; two former sisters in law, Pauline Croteau and Lucille Cote; and many nieces and nephews.

For those who really knew Ernie, they were overcome by his infectious smile, sense of wit, flirtatious winks, devilish looks and unprecedented charm. Like a shooting star, he never shined so bright until those last days when even the medical staff caring for him could not hold back their tears.

A funeral ceremony took place on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. Committal prayers followed at St. Augustin Cemetery, South Beech Street, Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org