Richard "Dick" E. Cote

Richard E. Cote, "Dick", age 85, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024. Born in Syracuse, NY on April 27, 1939 the son of Robert and Kathryn Cote. Dick was predeceased by his three maternal half-siblings: Phillip S. Parsons, Robert R. Parsons, and Nancy P. Griffith. 

Dick attended Edward Smith grade school and graduated from Nottingham High School in 1957. He graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in 1961. Married to Linda L. Morton in 1962, he started his career with the Travelers Insurance Company and subsequently partnered with his half-brother Phillip S. Parsons to form Parsons, Cote & Co. insurance agency in North Syracuse, where he served his clients for over fifty years. He also served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. In 2008 the agency merged with Bailey, Haskell & Lalonde Associates, now part of the OneGroup, where he continued to work until retiring in 2020. 

Dick loved people. He always saw the best in people and was truly interested in their life stories. He had a unique ability to put people at ease, and always made them feel better. He was a doer, and made things happen - never afraid to get his hands dirty with whatever the task at hand. 

A true Syracusan, he loved all sports and was a loyal SU fan, having grown up in the University area with his many childhood friends who also shared his passion for the school. Dick grew up playing many sports, including football, lacrosse, hockey, squash, skiing, golf, and cycling. He especially enjoyed fishing on the St. Lawrence River and spending time with his family at his cottage on Wolfe Island, Ontario. 

Dick and Linda met at Drumlins in the 8th grade, were married for sixty-two years, and raised four boys. He is survived by his wife Linda; Rick (Lisa) Cote, Fayetteville, NY; Robert (Michelle) Cote, Jamesville, NY; Chris (Jessica) Cote, Johns Island, SC; Doug (Amy) Cote, Nantucket, MA; and eight Cote grandchildren: Maddie, Will, Parker, John, Jane, Sarah, Andrew, and Piper. His most cherished memories were spending time with his family.

Throughout his life, Dick was involved with numerous boards and volunteer associations: Independent Agents Association (Member), Village of Fayetteville (Trustee), Town of Manlius (Councilman), YMCA Metro Board (Member), OHA Board (Member), Cazenovia Ski Club (President), FMYLA, Onondaga Golf & Country Club (Member), Syracuse Athletic Club (Member), Gray Wolves Hockey Team (Defenseman), and Meals On Wheels (Volunteer). 

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the DeWitt Community Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. A Catholic mass in his honor will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Save the River organization and to the Madeline R. Cote endowment at Golisano Children's Hospital.