Scott Jay Cotlar
1959-2015
Scott Jay Cotlar, 56, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2015, surrounded by family after a 12 year journey with breast cancer. Scott was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended the Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas, The University of Texas at Austin (BA), and the University of Houston Law Center (JD).
Scott left the practice of law after a few years to become an educator and school administrator in both the private and public sectors. In 2007, Scott returned to law to practice criminal defense with his brother, Dorian. The years that Scott spent as a criminal defense attorney were the happiest in his professional career. Scott was a kind, compassionate, and detail-oriented advocate for his many clients.
Scott had a wonderful impact on everybody with whom he came into contact. Whether as an educator, lawyer, family member, or community advocate, Scott always saw the positive side of any situation. Many other cancer patients looked to Scott for his compassionate advice and support through his daily blog for those with cancer.
Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jacob & Dorothy Cotlar and Ben & Fannie Wise, and his mother, Marilyn Wise Cotlar. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Janeth Nino Cotlar and their fifteen-year old daughter, Juliana. He is also survived by his father, Dr. Alvin M. Cotlar and his siblings: Cheri Cotlar, Dorian Cotlar, Jennifer Cotlar Balot, and Tiffany Cotlar-Furlow and their respective families.
A service will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Gardens at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 on Monday, November 9th at noon with burial immediately following. In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a charitable contribution to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Male Breast Cancer Research Fund, c/o Dr. Sharon Giordano, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or a charity of your choice.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Nov. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Cotlar

Sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals.

17 Entries

Michal Litwin

November 17, 2015

I first spoke with Scott 7 months ago. He contacted the volunteer organization that I work for, partners in Torah. He wanted to learn more about his Jewish roots and how to prepare for his death. I was able to introduce him to two men who answered all his questions. The first conversation I had with Scott was so meaningful and powerful to me so I made extra effort to help Scott with whatever he requested. I found that he always spoke with such integrity. The one thing that was so special about speaking with him was that he ALWAYS asked me "how are you?". Given his situation I found that so humble of him to express care.

Although I didn't know Scott that well, he definitely touched me and his study partners.

He was a very special man that I'm sure many would agree. May his family be comforted by all the mourners of Israel. All the best. Michal Litwin

Dan Weiss

November 10, 2015

I worked with Scott during his time at MedVance. He was one of my favorite people. His compassion and empathy as well as his commitment to help his students was a true inspiration.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed by all who knew him. The world is truly a better place for having had him in it. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
-Dan and Meredith Weiss

Letch Kline

November 10, 2015

The Kline Family is greatly saddened with Scott's passing. What a warrior in his fight against cancer. The Cotlar Family is in our prayers.

Laurie Fickman

November 9, 2015

I'm so sad about Scott. My heart is with the entire Cotlar family.

Jay Karahan

November 9, 2015

I was blessed to meet and get to know Scott at the many Seders we had at Dorian's and Erin's home. He was a kind and gentle man, and a very fine lawyer. I always found him full of joy even when he was undergoing treatment, he never spoke ill of anyone, and he was a joy to be around. I will miss him.

Sondra Schachtmeister

November 9, 2015

I am saddened to hear about Scott. What a great guy. I am sorry for your loss.

DOROTHY krasnoff

November 8, 2015

DEAR ALVIN, SO SORRY TO READ ABOUT YOUR SON SCOTT. IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE WE HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH,HOWEVER YOU WERE ALWAYS IN MY MEMORY FOR YOUR KINDNESS TO OUR FAMILY WHEN WE WERE IN NEED OF HELP. MY PRAYS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FRIEND. DOTTY KRASNOFF

Ira and Linda Bernstein

November 8, 2015

We met Scott as cast parents of "America in Song and Verse". We had a wonderful time knowing him, but missed seeing him until a reunion last year. What a wonderful person, and what a loss.

Cari Bernstein

November 8, 2015

I met Scott through a children's theater group when I was about 11 and he was 15 or 16. During a show celebrating our nation's bicentennial, Scott sang Elvis Presley's "You Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog", wearing a leather jacket to Bobby-soxers. Like much of the cast, he became part of our extended family and was much-loved. He radiated a special kindness even then, particularly to an awkward preteen not talented enough to play with the cool kids.

November 8, 2015

Dear Cotlar family, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your cherished memories of him, and may the God who gives peace be with all of you during this difficult time.

Angela Smith

November 7, 2015

I will always remember Scott as a very sweet gentle kind man. He loved his family. Sending love and prayers to his family.

Carol Dan

November 7, 2015

Lew and I will miss dear Scott. He was such a bright,kind, friendly and fine person. Janet and Juliana gave him the most joy with their caring manner and the best support anyone could ask for. We will always miss his warm and sensitive presence. Scott made arrangements for Lew to get VIP service at MDAnderson and it certainly made a big difference in his life.

We are so sorry and send our regrets and deep sympathy to his wonderful wife and beautiful talented daughter.

Love,
Carol and Lew

Barbie Milloit

November 6, 2015

Prayers for Scott's family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Barbie Brenan Milloit

Carol Wise

November 6, 2015

Scott will always be remembered as a terrific person with a beautiful heart. I am proud to have been his aunt! He was
honorable and truthful and always kind!

Judi Cotlar Kerner

November 6, 2015

What a wonderful person Scott was. He was my cousin and I will always remember all the good times we had has kids with his sister Cheri. We always had fun together growing up. I will miss you so much. You will always be in my heart forever. I love you Scott.

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

November 6, 2015

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Kimberly Price

November 6, 2015

I will always remember Scott as a friendly and positive individual who clearly had great love for his family. My deepest sympathies to his wonderful family.

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