Alan Cotrone Obituary
Al devoted much of his 37-year career to advancing safety and innovation at Underwriters Laboratories, where he was known not only for his leadership but also for his fairness and commitment to excellence. His contributions helped shape the standards that protect millions around the world today.
An avid golfer, he cherished time on the course - always up for early tee times, never missing the bar cart, and faithfully showing up for some camaraderie at the 19 th hole. His love of the game was matched only by his love for his team - the Duke Blue Devils. Al was a die-hard fan who rarely missed a game, proudly sporting Duke blue and celebrating every win as if he were right there in Cameron.
Beyond his professional life, Al was a soft-spoken man of deep compassion, and quiet strength. As a proud father, he was always encouraging his children and grandchildren to pursue their passions with confidence and courage. As a friend, his spicy sense of humor made him the kind of person you wanted in your foursome on the course and at every party. His jokes were risqué, but his laugh was infectious.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Pat, sister Audrey, son Christopher and his wife Marbella, daughter Danielle and her partner Matt, grandchildren William and Abbie, lots of extended family, and countless friends and colleagues who will keep his spirit alive - sharing laughs, telling stories, and raising a glass in his honor.
A family visitation will be held at Brunswick Funeral Service Shallotte Chapel on Wednesday, October 29 from 4-6pm. A service will be held at St. Brendan's, the Navigator Catholic Church on Thursday, October 30 at 10am, and a reception will immediately follow at Tamer Clubhouse at Ocean Ridge Plantation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al's memory to Tunnels to Towers, the Jimmy V Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with appreciation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Robert Simmons
January 29, 2026
I worked closely with Al at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) from 2006-2011. He was the VP of North America Operations and I was the VP of North America Commercial. He and I made many client calls together and he was always the best with the client, whether it was an executive we were calling on or a line engineer. I trusted his judgment and his UL expertise. We also worked together to bring our two teams together to work collaboratively on many occasions. He and I also enjoyed some free time away from UL on the golf course. He would always beat me and we always enjoyed the fellowship of each other's company. On one client trip that he and I were making, I remember we were checking into the hotel where both of us were staying and as he checked in there was a problem...he had no reservation. Good news...I did and so we "bunked up" for the evening and had a very successful client call the next morning. Both of us laughed off the mix up and I was glad I was able to have a reservation in the same hotel. I enjoyed his company and he was a very close colleague of mine and a trusted friend. He and I had discussed my visiting him over the last several years at his new retirement home as I had a brother living in the Lake Norman area.
I thought of him last weekend and found the announcement of his passing on the internet. I am so sorry I was not available to be there with his family at the funeral. I will always fondly remember our many times together. All the best to his family during this time.
I have worked with many professional executives in the course of my career and I want you to know that I had the utmost respect for Al as a professional leader and a person. He was more than a professional colleague of mine, he was my friend.
Best,
Robert Simmons
Scottsdale, AZ
2243615759
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