Harvey L. Cotta

MANCHESTER -- Harvey L. Cotta, 94, of Williamson Road, died Aug. 24, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, after a brief illness.

He was born in Kingman on Feb. 25, 1915, the son of George E. Cotta and Margaret (Lowe) Cotta.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Mr. Cotta was a semiprofessional boxer in the central Maine area. He later worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He became a carpenter, which was his trade for many years. After his carpentry career, he worked for the Maine Department of Transportation in the highway design section until his retirement. In his retirement, he became a real estate agent for several years.

Mr. Cotta had an interest in homeopathic medicine and he practiced organic gardening.

He was a former member of Bethlehem Masonic Lodge 35 of Augusta.

His wife, Ruth (Garrison) Leach Cotta, died on Nov. 21, 1998. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Donna; and a sister, Mabel Correia.

Surviving are three sons, David Cotta, of South China, Terry Cotta, of West Gardiner, and Wayne Higgins, of Vassalboro; three daughters, JoAnn Sheffler and Sharon Cotta, both of Florida, and Lisa Wilson, of Augusta; one brother, Clair Cotta, of Waterville; 11 grandchildren, Shannon, Sean, Justin, Ian, Karen, Melanie, Ted, Jeffrey, Tatiana, Samantha and Cameron; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where a celebration of Mr. Cotta's life will follow at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home Web site at www.plummerfh.com.