Marshall A. Cotta

Marshall A. Cotta
Marshall A. Cotta, 88, of Little Compton, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at home, with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Barbara S. (Cantrell) Cotta for 64 years.
Marshall was born in Stamford, CT, son of the late William J. and Ludwina A. (Nowacki) Cotta and had lived in Darien, CT, for most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his brothers, Bill and Peter, owned and operated Cotta Tree Experts, which was started by their father, and he was also the Town Tree Warden in Darien for many years. Following retirement, Marshall and Barbara relocated to RI, starting off in Tiverton, then to Little Compton, where they have spent the last 16 years and where his family ties go back to his grandparents who lived there. He was a great family man, hosting countless family gatherings with Barbara for all holidays, birthdays, several weddings and any reason to have a party. Their retirement homes in RI were fondly called "Club Cotta" because all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come for their summer vacations. After family, he loved sports, his dogs, crossword puzzles, reading, Jeopardy, Hallmark movies and a good Manhattan. He never lost his witty sense of humor, even up to his last day.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Barbara, his children: Karen Charleston and her husband Andrew of Trumbull, CT, Holly Pierce and her husband Mark of Norwalk, CT, Amy Bligh and her wife Mary of Bedford, NH, Heather Cavett and her fiancé Patrick Francis of Little Compton, and Jim Cotta and his wife Amy of College Grove, TN. Other survivors include his brother, Daniel Cotta and his wife, Pat, his brothers-in-law, Bill Cantrell and his wife, Meredith, and Dick Cantrell, and sisters-in-law, Marty Cantrell and Eva Cotta, 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Bill and Peter Cotta, and by his sisters-in-law, Helen Cotta and Jennifer Cantrell.
Services are private with a Celebration of Life to be held some time next summer.
The family wishes to express their great appreciation to the Little Compton first responders who were always so kind and compassionate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LCFD, 60 Simmons Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport, MA 02790.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com .