Lawrence S. Cote

Lawrence Sylvester Cote Lawrence Sylvester Cote, 69, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died on July 24, 2016, entrusting himself to Jesus Christ, in whose presence he longed to live and be healed following a year-long journey through severe pain and serious complications from multiple back injuries, surgeries, and degeneration. Though his body succumbed, his spirit and faith remained strong as he trusted in God's victory by His grace. He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 36 years, Mary Kay Cote. He was also surrounded by family, and especially his brother, Steve, throughout this final journey. To view Larry's full obituary, see www.dignitymemorial.com, click on "Obituaries" at the top center; search for "Lawrence Cote." The son of the late George A. and Wilmadine "Penny" G. (Doak) Cote, Larry grew up in Springfield, Mass., before entering the United States Army, Corps of Engineers (1966-1968; Rank of Specialist E5 at discharge). He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Republic of South Vietnam in 1968. Subsequently, Larry earned degrees from Penn State University (B.S.; 1972), Lehigh University (M.Ed.; 1975), and Temple University (Ed.D.; 1984). Dr. Cote's 37-year career in higher education was highlighted by his position as Campus Executive Officer (CEO) of Penn State University's Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies (1983-97). He then served at West Virginia University (WVU) as Associate Provost, Extension and Public Service, and Director, West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (1997-2006). Dr. Cote's broad and influential career culminated in his role as the founding faculty director of a new undergraduate Leadership Studies academic minor offered at WVU. His significant collection of awards was capped by the WVU Distinguished Faculty Award, in acknowledgment of a lifetime of service and a commitment to developing student leaders (2008). Along the way, the Cotes took great care to beautify the properties that they called home, for visiting family, friends, birds, and their pet dogs over the years, for whom they cared as dedicated owners. Larry participated in the Big Brother program in eastern Pennsylvania, and they opened their hearts and home to Mary Kay's niece, Kylie Puglin, who lived with them for many years in West Virginia. Larry also was an active part of Methodist churches in West Virginia and Florida. Through his surviving brother, Stephen P. Cote, and his wife, Joyce, surviving sister, Sandra C. Cobb, and her husband, David, and members of his wife's family, Larry has 13 nieces and nephews and over 30 great-nieces and nephews, who affectionately knew him as "Uncle Larry." The most-recently-born great-nephew, Joshua Lawrence Cote, son of Timothy and Christa, was named in honor of him. His nieces and nephews are Jeffrey Cobb, Mark Cote, Mary Weaver, Andrew Cote, Melanie Munir, Anne Marie Walny, Rebecca Erb, Tiffany Puglin, Jonathan Cote, Timothy Cote, Kylie Puglin, Joanna Herr, and Ava Puglin. One very special great-niece in Larry's life was Victoria Grace, daughter of Mark and Kristin. Victoria only lived for six days on this earth in 2008, because of a malformation of her brain. The meaning of her life, helpless in terms of human accomplishment, yet a blessing beyond measure through belonging to God as His beautiful servant, profoundly impacted Larry's life and testimony of "being" and "doing." One man, who accomplished so much, was brought to a point of complete surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ, in part through the story of a little baby who could seemingly accomplish nothing. In the end, Larry gave thanks for his life, which found ultimate fulfillment not in what he did, but who he was, as one fully belonging to God. Larry was eager for the legacy of his life to be joined to Victoria's in serving others, especially children around the world in desperate need of basic medicines and medical care. To this end, his family invites gifts, in lieu of flowers, to be sent to the "Uncle Larry Memorial of Victoria's Little Lambs Fund" (www.victoriasfund.com; gifts are tax-deductible and should be made payable to Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551). A memorial service to celebrate Larry's life will be held on Saturday, August 6, at 2:00 p.m., with family visitation beginning at noon, at Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. A meal in Zion's Fellowship Hall will follow the interment and military honors in the church cemetery.