Name: Visitation for JOHN E. "JACK" COTTER Jr.
Start: 2021-10-22T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-10-22T23:00:00.000Z
Location: George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

COTTER, John E. "Jack" Jr. Of Charlestown, MA and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at Mass General Hospital on October 18, 2021 at the age of 79. Jack was born in Needham, Massachusetts on March 3, 1942 to the late John and Catherine (Doran) Cotter. He graduated from Needham High School and went on to Boston College to obtain his Bachelor's and Master's of Business Administration. During summers in college, he worked as a Firefighter in Needham and spent many years in the Army National Guard. Jack was President and founder of Cotter Insurance Agency and worked with Transamerica Insurance for most of his career. He loved spending time with friends and family, traveling, throwing extravagant parties and preparing his famous Thanksgiving dinners. He had a love of photography, skiing, music, was very artistic and could fix or build anything. Jack was a member of Charles River Country Club of Newton, MA and the Moorings Country Club of Naples, FL where he loved to socialize and play golf. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his colorful sense of humor and his extreme generosity. Jack is survived by his wife who he has known for 30 years, Ellen (Connolly) Cotter, his daughter Shelley (Cotter) Murphy, and his granddaughter Lily Murphy. Brother of Mary Ellen Howarth and her husband Joseph of Ashland, Allie E. Robey and her husband Philip of Needham, Catherine C. Smith of Danville, NH and the late Nancy Cotter. Uncle of Jim Clement, John Clement, Kate Robey, Kelly Connelly and Audrey Smith. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM on Saturday, October 23, at 10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 11:30am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting Hours on Friday from 4-7pm in the funeral home. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jack's memory to The ESSCO-MGH Breast Cancer Research Fund at https://www.esscomghbcrf.com/ For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Needham 781 444 0687

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN COTTER

11 Entries

Bob Whitmore, Chino, CA

September 9, 2022

I did seminars or road shows for Transamerica in the mid to late 80's and always enjoyed going to Boston to see Jack and host meetings for him and his brokers. He and I went to dinner at least a couple of times at Legal Seafood. Not sure why I recall that, but I do. Jack was a good man and I am sorry about his passing. Dan Bradley, not sure you;d see this, but I think I recall you, too! Didn't you have offices in Hartford and Springfield? As I also recall, you, like me, are a big Lakers fan. All the best to you

Dan Bradley

October 23, 2021

Remember our partnership with Transamerica Life Companies. Jack mastered the ability to work hard and to play hard. I wish we could have worked together as a team. Lift High the Cross on Eagles Wings... Fly High and Strong... Your Brother In Christ... Danny O Bradley Irish Financial Consultant... Hope to be with you in Heaven Skiing the Deep Powder...

James H. Arcand Beverly Farms, Ma.

October 21, 2021

Jack was a great guy, a genuine character of great decency and compassion. Jack and I went to basic training at Fort Jackson, SC in 1966. Jack couldn't help smiling and joking even during 95 degree drill days. We got together several times over the years with Fred Burke. I am very sorry for his family's loss as Jack was a true gem, a prince among men. You couldn't help but smile when you saw jack with a steel helmet bouncing on his head. He added fun and humor to all occasions.

Roberta Rogers

October 21, 2021

Shelley, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mike The Handyman Bartholomey

Sent Flowers

Michael Dean Bartholomey

October 21, 2021

Hello my dear, dear, friend, it is with great sadness and total sense of loss that you will not be coming to Naples again. I can't help but thinking of our lunch date at the Pub in The Village Shops . It was liked seemed just a week ago. You are my friend Jack, and I will never forget your smile and witty way of humor. Give Edward and Patty Duke a hug for me brother. Smile and Dance my dear friend. I got Ellen's back if and when she comes here buddy just like Patty. Rest in peace my brother until we meet again. Love, Mikey.....

Mike The Handyman Bartholomey

Sent Flowers

Moira & Libby

October 21, 2021

Ellen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack will be missed. We love you............

JOHN P COMERFORD

October 21, 2021

Hi Ellen, I'm so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. He was a great guy who mentored me in the insurance industry. I'll always remember going to Bruins games with him and his great parties over in Charlestown. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jack and your family.

Michelle Plakas-Kaiser

October 21, 2021

RIP

Karen Morway

October 20, 2021

Shelley, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for JOHN COTTER

Oct

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Oct

Funeral

10:30 a.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Oct

Funeral Mass

11:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Church

Needham, MA

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

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JOHN E. "JACK" COTTER Jr.

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