Albert Cote

Albert Cote, 85, of Sanford, passed away on Friday May 22, 2009 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, surrounded by his loving family in prayer. Born in Sanford on September 12, 1923, he was a son of the late Amadee and Alma (Garneau) Cote. He attended Holy Family School and St. Ignatius High School.He served in the US Army during WWII and was awarded the Silver Star while serving in Arnaville, France. Before joining the military he had been employed at his father's store on North Ave., then as a welder at the Shipyard in South Portland. After his service in the military, he worked at a shoe shop in Rochester. The bulk of his career was spent at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he worked for many years as a welder, retiring in 1975. Not one to sit around, he then worked for the Sanford School Department for 15 years.A lifelong communicant of St. Ignatius Parish, he was also a 3rd Degreemember of the Knights of Columbus, Rev. John J. McGinnis Council #2231 in Sanford.First and foremost, Al was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with them and helping them out in any way he could. He could often be seen helping his son working on his apartment buildings or helping out with the C&C Carrier buses. He attended Mass daily. He also enjoyed gardening and playing cards.He is predeceased by one brother, Paul Cote, two sisters, Yvette Cloutier and Laurette who died shortly after birth.He is survived by his loving family, Lucille Cote, daughter, Estelle Gore and her husband, Tom of Acton, son, Ronald and his wife, Starr of Shapleigh, daughter, Janet Cloutier and her husband, Dick of Springvale, daughter, Rachel Daige and her husband, Mike of Sanford, son, David and his wife, Tammy of Sanford, grandchildren, Lea Sabean, Eric Carroll, Amy Therrien, Gwen Bedell, Jessica and Christopher Cote, Alan Chenard, Ryan Cloutier, Sarah Hanchett,Ben and Josh Gore, Christine Vaillancourt, Cory and Michele Daige, Matthew Cote and Josh Veroneau. Survivors also include 11 great granchildren and one brother, Pat Cote and his wife, Bea of Sanford, as well as many nieces and nephew.Visitng hours for Mr. Cote will be on Monday, May 25th from 4 to 8PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9AM at St. Therse of Liseux Parish, St. Ignatius Church in Sanford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330-5615, 1-800-499-5864.To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.