Eugene "Gene" Francis Coté

Eugene Francis Coté, born on October 16, 1930 in Holbrook, Massachusetts, was called home on November 15, 2024. He joined his beloved wife of 63 years, Luann Moitozo Coté, who preceded him in death in 2020.

“Gene” was a loving, faithful, generous man who cared deeply for his family. His six girls brought him the greatest joy of all. He spent his life committed to empowering them and encouraging them to reach for great heights and break glass ceilings. He counseled them that there is no such word as “can’t” and that “the world has much mediocrity – don’t contribute to it” “Believe, dream and don’t be afraid to take a thoughtful risk” was his wise advice. He had great faith that what was meant to be would always work out.

He demonstrated this by example when the catholic girls school closed that he was using to coach his gymnastics team. He found himself desperately searching for a new home for his gymnastics family. Financial resources were limited and he was one year away from the start of paying for college tuition for his daughters. However, when he found a dilapidated vandalized vacant church hall in Ocean Grove Swansea, Massachusetts he knew it was right and he fearlessly took the plunge and purchased it. His family and the extended community family came together to renovate the building that would become the home of the Narragansett School of Gymnastics and his team, The Gym Gems. He worked a full-time job by day as a mechanical engineer and then coached gymnastics in the evenings and weekends. His wife, daughters, and trained staff helped with the operation of the school. Gene coached hundreds of young women gymnasts to excellence but more importantly through the sport and mentorship he taught life lessons, instilled confidence, strength, and discipline and provided an outlet for expression. He offered a shoulder and a hug followed by a firm nudge to get back out there. His impact was far reaching and enormous.

Gene enlisted in the army after High School and served honorably until he was discharged in 1952 as a ranking sergeant specializing in diesel mechanics. He graduated in 1955 with a degree from Wentworth Institute, Boston in Machine Construction and Tool Design and was employed by Federal Products in Providence, RI as a mechanical engineer until he retired and moved to Durham, NC. Gene was an accomplished gymnast himself and competed throughout Europe and the United States. He was invited to try out for the Olympics but due to his military commitment was not able to participate. Gene had many talents and skills. As a young man he enjoyed singing and was a member of the Pelican Chorale based in New York City. He loved golf and played regularly with his wife and many dear friends at the Fall River Country Club and Willowhaven in Durham.

Gene was the youngest of three children. He was predeceased by his sister, Arlene and is survived by his sister, Claire. He is also survived by his children, Kathleen Snyder and her husband, Geoffrey of Fort Mill, SC; Debra Murray and her husband, Greg of Colorado Springs, CO; Judith Coté of Durham, NC; Nancy Kane and her husband, Chris of San Diego, CA; Jane Coté-Cook and her husband, Chris of San Francisco, CA; and Lynne Coté Meredith and her husband, Robby. Of Asheville, NC.; 19 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 Mason Rd. Durham, NC at 10 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, followed by a burial at St. Matthew Catholic Cemetery and a luncheon celebration of Gene’s life at St. Matthew Church.

The Coté family is under the care of Hall-Wynn Funeral Service. Notes of comfort may be made to Gene’s family at www.hallwynne.com