Rudolph J. Cote

Rudolph J. Cote October 27, 1920 - February 7, 2011 Plainfield - Rudolph J. Cote, 90, Of Plainfield died unexpectedly Monday (02/07/2011). He was the loving husband of Jeannette (Dufresne) Cote. He was born October 27, 1920 in Plainfield a beloved son of the late Emile and Laurette (Bastien) Cote. Rudy as he was known to his friends was a longtime employee of Schuster Express where he retired in 1982 as a truck driver with the Teamsters Union. Rudy served in the CCC and the U.S. Navy as a Boilers Mate 2nd class. He was awarded the Bronze Star for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as a member of the crew of the USS Purdy on April 6, 1945 during the amphibious assault against Okinawa Shima. When a nearby friendly warship was struck by an enemy suicide plane, causing severe damage and raging fires, he bravely and skillfully assisted in fighting fires although in grave personal danger from explosions and flames, he was of invaluable aid in extinguishing the blaze and contributed materially to the saving of a valuable fighting ship. Rudy also served on the USS Niblack for two years prior to joining the USS Purdy. Rudy also received the Conn. Veterans Wartime Service Medal and was a charter member of VFW Post #5446. In addition to his wife of almost 67 years he is survived by a brother Alfred Cote of Canterbury, his children and their spouses; Janis and her husband Ret. Lt. Cmdr. Clark Pollock of N. Smithfield, RI, Richard Cote and his wife Doreen of Uncasville; his sister in law Rena Vincent and brothers in law Terry Brabenec, Jerry Dufresne and a daughter in law Mary Reyna of Allen, TX. two grandsons Charles Carlen of Pawtucket, RI and Shawn Cote of Allen, TX. Also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son John Cote and his sister in law Barbara Brabenec. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held in St. John Cemetery in the spring at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, West 46th St. and 12th Ave. New York, NY. 10036 or to VFW Post 5446, 7 Windsor Ave. Plainfield, CT. 06374. Dougherty Bros. Funeral Home, Plainfield has been entrusted with arrangements.