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William COTTER Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William COTTER
Bobbie Gibbons
March 26, 2023
I was looking through all the past posts, which
was bringing to the front many wonderful
memories of "the boy's from Canisius and their
families". Very blessed to share times together
thanks to my departed husband (Bill Gibbons)
Richard Grisanti
April 9, 2015
To the Cotter Family, My heartfelt sorrow on Bill's passing. He was a CHS fellow Alumnus, a real gentleman. a fine lawyer. and a man of true values. We will all cherish the memories of him. God bless all of you in this time of sadness
Tom
April 8, 2015
Dear Cotter family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Cotter was a great friend to our family and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Cotter's commitment to West Side is inspirational. I was just one of thousands that benefitted from his work at the rowing club but I will never forget the man that made it possible.
Mike Gould
April 5, 2015
Dear Mary Ellen and Family,
I had the pleasure of attending Bill's induction ceremony into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. His speech was classic Bill.......an eloquent, humorous, and informative narrative that left the crowd wanting more.
He was our family lawyer for years but more importantly a trusted advocate and friend.
May God bless Bill and the Cotter Family.
Diane Daddario
April 5, 2015
Betsy & Thomas sorry to hear of your fathers passing. May he rest in peace
Jane Kelly McCrone
April 4, 2015
Dear Mrs. Mary Ellen and Family
Please accept our sincere sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. Although we did not know him personally, we are certainly aware of his reputation of service to others and devotion to the West Side Rowing Club.
Jane Kelly McCrone
Victor, NY
Granddaughter of Michael J. Byrne
April 4, 2015
Under God's Kingdom on earth, aging and death will no longer happen, as imperfection and bad conditions will be things of the past. Isaiah 65:17-25. -
Kathy Killeen Flynn
April 4, 2015
He lit up the room!
Mike Metcalf
April 4, 2015
Kevin & Mrs Cotter,
My deepest condolences to the Cotter family for your loss. I have many fond memories of the entire family and the times that we spent with your dad at hockey tournaments, sailing, etc. We will be thinking of you and you're in our prayers.
April 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May God help you during this time of grief.
Dave state
April 3, 2015
Dave, your dad was an incredible man and will be greatly missed...i fondly recall him and i going through old dusty buffalo common council books for an issue he was researching. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kate Dzierzanowski
April 3, 2015
Dear Mrs. C., Betsy, John, Ann, David, Kevin, Dougie and Chris,
Seeing your dad at the WS 100 party was the highlight of my trip home that weekend. When he called me in IL a few weeks later to tell me to stop complaining to the world about having had to carry drywall on Saturday mornings 30-something years ago, that a pictorial display had been erected on the boathouse wall, and we, the drywall carrying women, were included, I almost died. I seriously thought, when I heard his voice on the other end of the phone, I was in trouble for something. He was that kind of a guy...to me, like a second father figure of whom I was terrified of doing something wrong in front of, but also, such a great guy...a genuinely good man...that he would call me and tell me that.
His name was mentioned at our family's house a lot, "Billy Cotter", as my mom calls him...her friend from childhood. And my dad admired him a great deal. I am sure he greeted him at the Gates saying, "Bill, I've got the beef", as that was my dad's job for the Friends parties way back then.
My life is better because of Mr. Cotter and my friendship with all of you. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with me and so many other boys and girls through the Club, and through our friendships. Peace be with all of you; I am keeping you all in my prayers as you say goodbye to a wonderful man.
Love to you all,
Kate VD
April 3, 2015
Canisius College Prep School- 1944-1948
Thanks for all the reunions you planned. I know you will start planning more now, up there.
Frank Gehardt class of 1948
San Antonio, Texas
John Thielman
April 3, 2015
My Deepest sympathies to Ann and the entire Cotter family.
Tim and Naomi Bukowski
April 3, 2015
Thank you "Uncle" Bill for countless happy memories, for your great children who inspirational, for all your care and work with West Side - all of which have positively affected my life, and countless other lives. 'Aunt' Mary Ellen, and Cotters we have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick Mattimore
April 3, 2015
Dear Mary Ellen, My sincere condolences on your loss. Bill was a close friend of mine for many years. We went through grade school, high school and college together and shared an apartment in New York while at Fordham. The goal of the Jesuit education system is to form Christian gentlemen. In Bill's case,they were admirably successful.
Anna Schwartz (McCarthy)
April 3, 2015
Mrs Cotter, all the kids, and all the grandkids: I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill was always so welcoming and such a delightful person to see around the club and elsewhere. Having known David, clare, bean, and paddy for many years, I can attest to the power of his spirit alive in all of them. I'm thinking Bill is working on a plan to melt the ice as we speak.
With the biggest hug and wishes for peace of mind during this time,
April 3, 2015
My condolences to the Cotter and Bukowski Families. "Uncle" Bill was always such a strong presence at family gatherings ~ He is already missed.Sincerely, The Unher Family
Headmaster Brad Rogers
April 3, 2015
Mr. Cotter was a wonderful friend of The Gow School and on behalf of our students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, we extend our warm prayers to the entire Cotter Family. Mr. Cotter actively volunteered his legal services and support to assist Gow in meaningful ways and we thank him for his involvement. His legacy lives well in his children and grandchildren. As we think of his Irish kindness and love for others, our sails are filled with his zest for family and the great Lake Erie!
Paul Vukelic
April 3, 2015
Dear Cotter family... I speak for all the Vukelics as to our profound sadness on Bill's passing. We too have many fond memories as we gathered as families very early on. Our payers remain with your whole family this Earter. Paul Vukelic
Rob Muzzio
April 3, 2015
To the Cotter Family, my thoughts and condolences to you at this time. A nicer family I've never met and I have many fond memories growing up thanks to the kindness and generosity of your parents. God Bless Bill and the Cotter family
Chris Cuccia
April 3, 2015
Doug, Mrs. Cotter, and all the Cotter Family: I have many fond memories growing up spending time at the Cotter home and of Mr. Cotter. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Tom Perez
April 2, 2015
I was very saddened to learn of Mr. Cotter's passing. I have the fondest memories of the ice rink in the back yard, my going away party in 8th grade when I supposed to move to the Dominican Republic, a few tailgates at the Ralph, and most importantly, Mr. Cotter's relentless kindness to me throughout my time in Buffalo. Mr. Cotter was a big part of the village that helped raise all of us. My sincere condolences on behalf of my siblings and me. Tom Perez
Steve Greenberg
April 2, 2015
Fond memories of Bill at the WSRC.
April 2, 2015
GOODBYE BILL. SEE YOU SOON. YOUR FRIEND, RAY LE BLANC, HOUSTON, TEXAS.
April 2, 2015
Bill was a man who never wavered in his love for his family or the west side rowing club. After the club burning down, it was Bill who along with being president put on his coaching hat. he reminded us to keep our oars in the water and row forward. Through his tieless efforts he assembled a crew and built the present day club. without his leadership this would not have been possible. he would remind one and all of the club's mission being to teach the sport of rowing to the youth of western New York. The sport of rowing will miss but not forget his leadership and guidance. it was I privilege to be a recipient of friendship. If God needs a new rowing club, he has just the man to do it. God bless Merry Ellen and family.
Suzanne & Jim Schaab Amherst ny
Jim Van Dyke, S.J.
April 2, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the whole Cotter Family. Mr. Cotter became a wonderful friend when I was just a kid at the rowing club. I remember walking around the boat house with him the morning after the fire as he began to talk about rebuilding. He was a mentor as I began coaching, and a great support as I started the team at McQuaid. He will be missed by many! Rest assured that he, and you all, will be remembered in my prayers and Masses.
Suzie Bender
April 2, 2015
Dear Cotter's, Doug, Kelly, Andrew, Edward and most of all Mary Ellen, My heart aches for you, may your fond memories keep you strong during this difficult time. I say this to you, keep them, share them, talk and laugh even shed a tear or two. They are yours and only yours, no one can ever take them away from you, treasure them. In time those memories will be the one thing that will help you heal, they are always there when you need them, bringing a smile to your face. You know where I am if you need anything, Just call. Love and prayers to all,
George Livingston
April 2, 2015
Bill was a great leader, a fine gentleman and a good friend. Our friendship spanned many years and despite my moving from Buffalo in1981 it continued to present day. Bill also had a great sense of humor and very kind heart. And, as with all those who knew him, I am saddened by his death but grateful his being.
Peter Walsh
April 2, 2015
Mary Ellen,
On behalf of the entire Walsh family, I wanted to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Since 1963 the Cotters and Walshs have been friends, via a kind and simple jesture that has lasted through the years. I trust and hope that all the fond memories will provide the necessary strength during this time.
Respectfully,
Peter J. Walsh
April 2, 2015
Our condolences to Mary Ellen and family. We were buddies for over 60 years.
Charlie&June Durkin
Shelia Welsh
April 2, 2015
Dear Mary Ellen & family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. It is with great pleasure to have worked with Mr. Cotter over the past years. He has represented our family needs since I was 6 yrs old. Mr. Cotter has served our family well before 1960. It is with great sorrow to learn of his passing. I also know he was a great husband and a wonderful father. He highly spoke of you, Mary, and his children over the years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
James & Shelia Frank-Welsh
April 2, 2015
I just heard the the very sad news. Bill and I met in the mid forties and spent most of the time rowing junior heavy eights. He was the Mr. West Side and was the point man on the growth of the club for "years and really set the standard for the growth of he WSRC in addition to being a great friend.
Wade H. Hubbard
Bob Kubiniec
April 1, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear the news. As one of the thousands who who rowed at West Side, thanks Bill for all you did.
Best wishes to Mary Ellen and the Cotter family.
April 1, 2015
Mary Ellen I am so sorry to hear about bill know that you
And the family are in my prayers. God bless
Joan mangan
April 1, 2015
Mrs. Cotter & Family,
Mr. Cotter was a true giant, kind and generous to all. Heaven is a better place now that he has passed thru St. Peter's gates. I will miss him, as he has been a mentor for +30 years.
Jim Killeen & Family
April 1, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Frears
Mary Ellen Thompson
April 1, 2015
Love and miss you, Uncle Bill.
Gayle Hutton
April 1, 2015
Thinking of all the Cotters and wishing you many wonderful memories.
Stan Lapinski
April 1, 2015
I'll miss Bill at the 2015 Canadian Henley. It was always a pleasure chatting with him.
April 1, 2015
Dear Mary Ellen and Family:
Nance' and I were deeply saddened by the news of Bill's passing. He was a kindhearted and generous person and our family was often a recipient of that kindness. In particular, when our family moved from Snyder, NY to Northborough, MA it was Bill who became the caretaker of our home through the winter until it was sold in the spring. We have many happy memories' of the shared time we had with you and your family. He was a wonderful person and was loved by everyone who knew him.
We pray that God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your life and want you know we are her for you if we can do anything for you.
Nance' and Greg Britz
April 1, 2015
Dear Cotter Family,
Many members of the Sippel family were beneficiaries of Bill Cotter's tireless efforts at the WSRC. Those experiences helped shape the people we have become. He was a great example of dedication, and perseverance.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sippel
sam hoyt
April 1, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Bill on many issues related the WSRC back when I was in the Assembly. He was a true gentleman, a class act and a passionate advocate for the WSRC. I send my most sincere condolences to the entire Cotter family. Bill had a huge impact in our community and will be missed by many.
Judy McDermid
April 1, 2015
Dear Mary Ellen,
I'm so sorry to read of Bill's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard Schaus
April 1, 2015
Bill Cotter was a cornerstone of the present day West Side Rowing Club. Under Bill's leadership, following the devastating fire of 1975, the new rowing club rose from the ashes like a Phoenix, stronger and more vibrant than the old. Any other club would have folded in the face of such adversity.
Today, hundreds of high school and college rowers have the opportunity to row at West Side daily. Thousands more have passed through West Side before and have advanced to compete at the collegiate, national and Olympic level. These athletes can all trace their roots to West Side Rowing Club and in turn, to the leadership, vision and dedication of Bill Cotter. What a fitting legacy for a man who loved the sport of rowing and who loved West Side Rowing Club.
Thank you Bill Cotter for all you have done for past, present and future members of West Side. Thank you to Mary Ellen and the Cotter family for sharing Bill throughout these many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
West Side Rowing Club
April 1, 2015
hearts are with you alll... Aunt Ann
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