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William Cotoia Obituary
Born in Warwick, the beloved son of John F. and Claire J. (Fratus) Cotoia, he had been a life long Warwick resident. He was a graduate of Warwick Veteran Memorial High School, Class of 83 and was a black belt in Karate. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar.
Bill was the beloved brother of Cynthia M. Peloso and Thomas J. Cotoia both of Warwick, uncle of Stephen Peloso, Christopher and Eric Correia and Kimberly Harvey. He is also survived by four grand nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Benedict Church, Beach Ave. at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions to the ImPOSSIBLE Dream for Chronically Ill Children, 575 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI 02886.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cotoia
Sponsored by A Dear Friend of Town Fair Tire.
Filesha Cornell
July 21, 2006
Heyy Uncle Bill. Its been awhile since i last wrote. i have been busy. I got my permit<3 i know u would be proud. I really miss you well im engaged<3 i know u would like him too. you will see him somedayy<3 i juss hope not to soon. tell Danny I said hi cause i know u prolly have met him. I Miss him too. along with everyone else that has passed away on me. well im going to go. iloveyou uncle Bill!!
me me
February 23, 2006
you always made me laugh, whether i felt terrible or amazing. there should be more people out there like bill. i miss you everyday and will never forget you.
FiLESHA C0RNELL
February 21, 2006
UNCLE BiLL....AS i SiT HERE AT THE C0MPUTER WRiTiNG Y0U Y0OH i THiNK...i W0ULD WANT Y0OH BACK RiGHT N0W BECAUSE i REALLY NEED S0M0NE T0O TALK T0O RiGHT N0W. i HATE MY LiFE RiGHT N0W Y0OH D0NT EVEN KN0W. i HATE B0iS, BUT ALTH0UGH i DiD FiND A G0OD PERS0N. i JUST WiSH Y0U WERE HERE RiGHT N0W. WELL iM G0iNG T0O G0. iL0VEY0OH AND MiSS Y0U AND i WiSH Y0U WERE HERE.
-*-FiLESHA-*-
Christine (McDermott) diPretoro
January 30, 2006
To Bill,
Your kindness changed my life, and I will be forever grateful to you.
Our loss is heaven's gain.
All my love,
Chris
Lisa Mainelli
January 27, 2006
Bill,one of the sweetest people I could of ever known. You always made me laugh at work. We always had fun in the salon. You will be greatly missed. I will never believe your gone.
Linda Sellechio
January 24, 2006
I FIRST MET BILL IN THE 80'S WHEN A FRIEND OF MINE HAD GOTTEN A "PERM" WHICH LOOKED WONDERFUL. SHE GAVE ME BILLY'S NAME AND I THEN BECAME A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF HIS UNTIL HE LEFT RICO'S. I ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT BILL AND WONDERED HOW HE WAS DOING. HE HAD A WAY OF MAKING YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND HAD A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR. WE ALWAYS LAUGHED ABOUT SOME JOKE HE MADE UP OR A NEW JOKE THAT HE JUST HEARD. I CAN SEE FROM ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE WRITTEN SOMETHING THAT WE ALL HAD THE SAME FEELINGS ABOUT BILL. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE HE IS NOT WITH US ANYMORE. MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY. HIS MEMORY WILL BE WITH US FOREVER.
Tom Notarianni
January 22, 2006
To the family of Bill Cotoia,
I have no words to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of a great person. I met Bill back in the early 90's while working out at Apollo Gym. We used to see this guy w/ the license plate "Dude 6" and think "who the heck would have a plate like that?" Once we got to talking with Bill it didn't matter. He was the easiest going guy you'd ever meet. My friend and I began training with him both at the gym and with the martial arts. He was a tough guy (bruised ribs through the air shield, thanks pal!). You would "never" know what he was capable of. It's been awhile since I've seen Bill, but he's a guy you always though about now and again remembering the good times together. I will never forget the things he showed me during our training. I cannot understand why he was taken from us, suppose for reasons I won't know. I had no idea he had passed away and disappointed I could not see him one final time before he was laid to rest.
Again, my condolences to family and friends for the loss of a great man.
Blanche Williams
January 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cotoia Family. Bill was trully a breath of fresh air. I was a customer of His at Rico's for over 10 years. He will be in my prayers daily. Sincerely
kristen steele
January 17, 2006
i will always miss uncle bill' s smiling face every day when i saw him at work. He could always make me smile and i loved to hear his jokes. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew or spoke to him. God took a great person from us, but i hope he knows he was loved and appreciated.
Elizabeth Medeiros
January 16, 2006
To John and Claire, one could not ask for a better Mother-in-law or Father-in-Law, you will always be that to me in my heart. Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling with you during this nightmare that is surreal. I cannot quite make sense out of it all. The only answer I seem to come up with is that we are not supposed to understand it right now. It is obvious that God has other intentions in our lives than what we may want ourselves. We have to trust that God knows best and that things aren't always as they seem. For now, Bill has all the answers and he will live on in our hearts until the day we join him to share in that enlightenment.
To Bill, all my love and I will be talking to you daily.
Love,
Elizabeth
Ryan Beaulieu
January 14, 2006
Where to start, Uncle Bill was the kinda guy who could make you smile no matter what mood you were in. He was always trying to make someone laugh, almost all the time it worked. We've had so many fun times at work. The memories and stories will live in my heart forever. Uncle Bill you weren't an employee you were and always will be a great friend. I just want you to know that i miss you so much and work will never be the same with out you. Batman will always live forever. I love you and god bless.
Brianna Harvey
January 11, 2006
Uncle Bill,
You were the best uncle I ever had. I miss you very much. I wont ever forget the last Christmas Eve we had together. It was a blast!! To bad I cant just take a bandage and fix your booboo's.
Love ya,
Brianna
Jackie Costanza
January 10, 2006
OK, I'm not over the shock yet, but I have some more to say. Mr. & Mrs. Cotoia, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. Your loss is also our loss. You brought one hell of an incredible person into this world. Now he's left us, albeit for a better place. Too soon we all feel, but yet we never know our time either. It's as though Bill blasted in and blasted back out again, leaving behind a few lessons on how to live our lives:
1) you might as well smile, life's going to happen anyway
2) kinds words never hurt anyone - in fact they do a lot of good sometimes, so use them liberally.
3) family and friends are not to be neglected, cherish what you have right now
4) don't forget to have fun along the way
5) be passionate about something
6) if you're unhappy, change your situation, don't just sit there and grumble about it
7) yes - everyone of us can be the most beautiful woman in the world.(that's for all of us who's hair Bill used to do - that's how he made you feel.)
8) listen to others, hear what they're saying
Although I selfishly ache to have him back here with us, I know he's in a better place. When I ask God why, all that seems to make sense is that he was here to teach us how to live.
I'll miss Bill here on earth, but we'll meet up again some day for sure.
Mr. & Mrs. Cotoia, thank you for Bill and God Bless and comfort you now in your time of sorrow.
Kim Harvey
January 10, 2006
To my friend (Uncle Bill) I wish I had the chance to tell you how much you truly meant to me. You brought back a smile to my face that I once thought I had lost forever. Thank you for our "heart to heart". You really made my heart smile. We shared a lot of special times together, and those I will always treasure. No matter what, you always took the time to listen and offer advice whenever I needed it. Just knowing you were there for me was a comfort. Your opinions always mattered. Whether you were helping me move furniture, painting my fence, just watching a movie, or playing with the kids it was always so much FUN! Go Crank Yankers! The "Year End" dinner is one occasion that will bring a smile to my face (what a memorable night - at least you know all of the verses to Amazing Grace). Most importantly, you made a tremendous impression on the lives of Christopher & Brianna. She certainly loved you like her dad, and Christopher could never get enough of "Buckle Bill" & Bandit. We will watch the Halloween videotape often, I'm sure it'll always make us laugh - no need for Rogaine in heaven I'm sure. Sorry, I forgot to apologize to Randy for giving you the most comfortable sneakers ever! I didn't realize it wasn't part of the dress code. I'm glad you wore them well. No matter what the occasion, anyone that you shared it with will always have a story to tell - I'm sure ending in a laugh and a smile. Christmas Eve was always a beautiful celebration with the family I am proud to be a part of. We know will never be the same, however, I did request that we continue on with your own personal version of "The Twelve Day's of Christmas" - although I am sure that will not be accepted (at least by many) beyond those Pearly Gates. There are so many other things I want to say, but I am actually at a loss for words. I know that's hard for you to imagine - this is the second time you did this to me! Know that losing you was like losing Chris all over again and my heart is so very sad. It seems as if my light has dimmed once again. I know you are watching over all of us, and will somehow give us the strength to laugh, to smile, to enjoy life and love, as you once made us all do and feel. Thank you for being such an important person in my life. I am both honored and blessed to have been known & loved by you. I will miss you more than you could ever really know. Some day I'm sure I'll find out if things really do happen for a reason. You know what I mean.
Love Always - Kim
(aka Mi-Agi-wax on/wax off)
Lisa Ortiz
January 10, 2006
My deepest condolences to Bill's family and friends. I knew Bill in high school. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you.
Maria Souto
January 10, 2006
I want to take this time to send my thoughts and prayers to Bill's family. I met Bill through my husband Randy who worked with him at Town Fair Tire. I remember the first day he worked with Bill my husband came home and told me I had to meet this guy that was now working with him because he was just so funny and made him laugh all day long. Well when I met him that's exactly what he did. He just came out with the funniest jokes and sayings that I could not help but just smile when he was around. Bill and my husband became great friends and everyday there was always a funny story to tell. I will miss those stories greatly. But we certainly have many memories that will never fade and lots of stories and jokes to reminisce about for a lifetime. RIP Uncle Bill
Sandy & Etta LaFazia
January 10, 2006
My Mom and I were shocked to hear of Bill's passing. A warm, caring man with a good heart who was always helping others. We were clients of Bill's for 12+ years at Rico's. Bill would pick up my Mom and take here home when she was no longer driving. She always told me the two of you shared secrets and stories and referred to them as treasured times together and something you both looked forward to on Friday mornings. You were the best and I guess God wanted to show you off in heaven. We will never forget you. You are in our prayers.
Our deepest condolences to your family.
Karen Reddington
January 10, 2006
To the family of Bill: All I can say is the worst of my days became the best of my days when I was in the company of Bill. He is someone you can never forget. I will always keep him in my heart and reflect on the times he made me feel I had worth in this world as he surely did. Miss him already, but can never forget.
Karen Reddington (customer for over 20 years at Rico's Hairworks.
God Bless you Bill, I guess God has a bigger plan for you in heaven.
Love you!!!! 01/10/06
Randy Souto
January 9, 2006
hey uncle bill i was really lucky to have a friend like you that inspired me at work. It felt so good when you were around you always put a smile on my face and it will never be the same without you there by my side. You were my right hand man. God bless you aka batman. At the year end dinner the 2.5 million plaque is dedicated to you. Thank you for the good memories. love you man
Filesha Cornell
January 9, 2006
I still cant believe your gone. i guess writing in here is the only way i can talk to you. i just got back from your wake and i couldnt go up to your coffen. just to see you there lieing there, and not like..joking around with me about money we owe each other. i had good times with you. your my bestfriend. you always made me laugh. when everi was sad you made me happy. well im going to go now time for bed. ill probably write tomorrow!
~filesha~
Debbie and Barry Robinson
January 9, 2006
To Bill's family.....we are so shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's sudden death. Bill used to be our neighbor (1988) and he used to cut my hair at Rico's years ago. He was always smiling and laughing, what a great sense of humor he had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you........
Kathleen VanBost
January 9, 2006
Billy- What can I say but, I met two of the best guys in the world when I met Dave and you. You definitely had your hands full doing my hair! LOL! I have to say that on our wedding day when we came to the reception and I saw you, it was one of the happiest times for Dave and I. I know that you have taken you’re book of poems with you and you can keep our picture. You will be sadly missed. We love you Billy. And to your family, our deepest sympathy and may God keep them strong. Dave and I know you will watch over us and keep us safe.
BARBARA DESANTIS-BEER
January 9, 2006
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL OF BILL'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I WAS A FRIEND FROM HIGH SCHOOL, AND I JUST RECENTLY SAW HIM THIS SUMMER AT THE HARBORSIDE. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT WHEN A FRIEND TOLD ME OF HIS PASSING. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
SINCERELY
BARBARA
Chad De Melo
January 9, 2006
To Uncle Bill
I miss you so much.i have never met anyone like you before in my life Someone who could make anyone feel so good no matter what the case was,i will never forget you or your smile as long as i live. i love you so much . i wish i could just talk to you just one more time .
Christopher DerManouelian
January 9, 2006
Words just can't seem to express the way I feel right now about you leaving us. I'm sure God has a bigger plan for you than we can comprehend. Not only have I lost a friend but a brother. My deepest condolences goes to your family.
Gina Silvestro
January 9, 2006
To all of Bill's family,
My heart goes out to you all right now, I am still shocked to hear the news of Bill's passing. He will always be missed. I worked with Bill for years at Rico's and I've missed his smiling face often over the past few years. I can't even believe I'll never see him again. I have so many great memories of the fun times we had at work, I will cherish those memories forever.
Gloria Goguen-Stonefield
January 9, 2006
A friend called me today to tell me about Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
I had always hoped that he and I would meet again someday, and catch up on what had happened to us over the years. I believe that we still will, just not in this life.
He was my first boyfriend…my high school and college sweetheart. I will always remember him with love.
Caren Grantmeyer
January 9, 2006
I wasn't fortunate to have known Bill, however, I have been blessed to have his sister Cindy as my dear friend. I can only imagine what an amazing son, brother and uncle he was! My very deepest sympathy to his entire family and my love to Cindy.
Dennis VanBost
January 9, 2006
To the family of Bill Cotoia, I'm sorry for your loss. Bill is such a great person. I knew Bill through my brother Dave. I know Bill will watch down on us all, just as he did on earth. Bill had a big heart and cared for and touched those he met. I will always remember Bill, each time I go to my family's home and see the family portrait, Bill help us to get ready for the picture while he worked at Rico's.
Becky Aubuchon (Hill)
January 9, 2006
I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR OF BILL'S PASSING. I WAS ONE OF HIS CLIENTS AT RICO'S FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS. HE WAS ALWAYS IN A GOOD MOOD. HE HAD A LOT OF ENERGY AND WOULD JOKE AROUND AS HE WAS DOING MY HAIR. HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD. I NEVER HEARD HIM SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT ANYONE.
MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY. I KNOW HE'S SADLY MISSED BY EVERYONE HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH.
GOD BLESS,
BECKY
KAREN MARTINS
January 9, 2006
My deepest condolences go out to all of Bill's family and friends. He was a sweetheart.I was a client of his at Rico's. He was the best. He always brought a smile to my face. And he always made me laugh with a good joke. No matter how bad of a day he was having he never let it show. His smile would light up the room. He will be greatly missed and I will always remember him in my heart.
Vicki Donahue
January 9, 2006
I don't know how to put into words the way I felt when I heard the news of Bill's passing. I was one of Bill's clients for almost 20 years. Our friendship blossommed
over the years to the point where I had a great respect and love for him. I have missed him since he left Rico's and always wondered how he was doing. In fact I looked for him at Town Fair Tire just before Christmas but he must have been out on the road. Now I wish I had gone back when I knew he was in the store. Just so I could see his smiling face. He was always in a good mood and always had a kind word to say.
To Bill: You will never know how much my heart aches now that you are gone. You were an angel in my life. You always made me feel so good about myself even when I wasn't feeling my best. Hopefully you will watch over me from above.
To Mr. & Mrs. Cotoia: I'm so sorry for you loss. Please know that there are so many others who share your grief. Bill was an exceptional human being who had a tremendous zest for life.
He will always be remembered in the hearts of those who loved him most.
Jackie Costanza
January 9, 2006
Oh My God!!!!! I don't even know what to say right now.....maybe I'll come back later when I've had a chance to digest this. All I know is that the world is minus one angel.
Thomas Lynch
January 8, 2006
I met Bill when I was thirteen when my mother brought me in to Rico's for a haircut. Bill was my stylist for about 16 yrs. I wouldn't let anyone else cut my hair. He was the best! Bill was a great friend and a wonderful person. When ever I would go back to RI. I would make it a point to see Bill. My condolences go out to his friends and family. He was taken away to soon and I will miss him greatly.
Ernest Anderson
January 8, 2006
John & Claire my heart goes out to you. Billy was a funloving great kid. He was the kind of son that everyone would want. He passed away on Elaine's birthday. God Bless! Ernie
Nichole Longtin
January 8, 2006
To the family of "Uncle Bill" sitting back at a few family gatherings and waching how he made everyone smile used to make my whole day. To my second family... Ms. Peloso and Steve I know the pain ur feeling and it breaks my heart to know how hurt you are... If there is anything I can do to help I will be there! Miss you Uncle Bill, you were the best!
stephen peloso
January 8, 2006
ill miss u and i love u so much u are always the most important person to me in my mind and ill take care of everyone that u used to take care of i will follow in your shoes and i remember all the good times we had van halen in 95 2 vh in 2004 ill always love u and think of u i will miss u so much but i know that is not what u would want so all i can do is put on that smile like the one u used to have and u will always be the dude ya know alot of people called u uncle bill but im the only one who can realy say u where my uncle love steve the dude peloso always
Luann Cornell (Kauffman)
January 8, 2006
In Memory of William,(Uncle Bill). He was always a happy go lucky man. When ever I went into the store with a frown he always made me laugh. When ever my daughter went into the store with me they would always joke about how they owe each other $50.00 dollars.God Bless, May an angel be with you to Guide you on your journey, rest In Peace. We will miss your smile and laughter.
Donna Schnell
January 8, 2006
Billy,
Had to add something, Hope you are playing " Smoke On The River" on the guitar, because, that's all I heard when you and Kevin were downstairs in the basement! Also, the kickbag stayed up even when I moved back in with Dad. Miss you Buddy.
Love,
Donna
Filesha Cornell
January 8, 2006
I remeber when i first met you when you came out from the abck from talking to my stepfather with your guitar and i told you not to quit your day job. my stepfather is taking this hard and so am i. i wish you were for hea for my 17th birthday. but i guess god has another job for you then to make people happy. (( i still want my $50)) lol....iloveyou will ((uncle bill))
~filesha~
Donna Schnell
January 8, 2006
To Billy,
My first true love. Thank you for all the tree climbing!!!. And the stuffed animal from the garbage,haha. U will know what I mean. I Will miss u. You always reached for the top, now your there! God Bless You Mr & Mrs. Cotoia and family.
Love
Donna
NANCY BUCO (MARTRA)
January 8, 2006
I REMEMBER BILL , HE WAS MARRIED TO MY COUSIN LIZ, NICEST MAN I EVER MET,HE LOVED PEOPLE,LIFE AND HIS FAMILY, HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY,,,,
Margie Peloso-Brown
January 8, 2006
My heart goes out to Billy's family. He was a wonderful guy and I'll always remember his great personality and smile. What a tremendous loss to his sister Cindy (my sister-in-law) and her family. We will all miss him so much. Please take Betsy "under your wing" up there in heaven.
Raymond Kauffman
January 8, 2006
My Heart reaches out to all of William's family so very much. I worked with "Uncle Bill" that is what we knew him as at Town Fair Tire. He was always there for us in work and making us laugh which made the day go by faster. I never new Uncle Bill any other way than a very happy and refreshing associate and a firend like I have never had. I will miss William, "Uncle Bill", but he will always be in my heart and I will never forget the joy and happiness He has brought to me and all of us at Town Fair Tire who knew and worked with William. I'm sure when I say this that all of us at Town Fair Tire will always cherish the way William, Our Uncle Bill, touched our Hearts forever.
I again give all of William's family my deepest and most Heart filled condolences,
Raymond Kauffman
Michelle, James and Elizabeth Hallock
January 8, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. Bill always had a smile and a hello for us. He made us feel welcome in the neighborhood. He will be missed.
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