Jerome M. Cotter

MASHPEE — Jerome M. Cotter, 77, of Mashpee, died peacefully on Aug. 1, 2010, in Falmouth Hospital.

Mr. Cotter was born May 9, 1933, in Barnstable, grew up in Osterville, and was the youngest of six children. He was a graduate of Barnstable High School and after high school he served in the Air Force as a staff sergeant in the military police stationed at Sampson Air Force Base from Feb. 5, 1953, to Feb. 7, 1957.

In December of 1957, Mr. Cotter began his career at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. He served eight years aboard the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute's research vessel Atlantis with the deck and engine crews and as boatswain's mate and second mate. He also worked aboard the research vessels Gosnold and Chain. His longest WHOI assignment was as boatswain's mate aboard the R/V KNORR. He began on voyage #1 and lasted through voyage #146. His greatest voyage was perhaps the Titanic discovery cruise in 1985 where Mr. Cotter was with Dr. Robert Ballard when the Titanic was located.

After retiring from WHOI in 1996, Mr. Cotter enjoyed spending time in Maine, working outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Cotter was an amazing man whose generosity, sense of humor, quick wit and laughter will be greatly missed by all fortunate enough to call him a friend. To quote Jerome M. Cotter: "Fair Winds Always."

He is survived by a brother, John J. Cotter of Mashpee, two nieces and four grandnieces, as well as many beloved friends.

Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Margaret L. Cotter Nursing Scholarship, Cape Cod Community College Educational Fund, 2249 Iyanough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668; or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.