John L. "Jack" Cotter

John L. "Jack" Cotter, 82, of West Warwick, passed away with family by his side on, Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Riverview Nursing Home in Coventry, RI.

Born on August 10, 1943, in Norwood, MA, Jack was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Agnes (Linehan) Cotter. He was the devoted husband of Sally (Hartley) Cotter, with whom he shared 30 memorable years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and companionship.

Jack built a long and successful career in the moving and transportation industry. He owned and operated Jacobson Brothers Moving Company in Walpole, Massachusetts, alongside his close friend Donald Coughlin. After selling the business, John continued his professional journey with Paul Arpin Van Lines, New World Van Lines, and later William Duggan Moving Company. Specializing in both domestic and international corporate relocations, Jack remained actively and proudly employed until the age of 80-a true testament to his strong work ethic and passion for his profession.

A natural conversationalist, Jack had a remarkable way with people. He loved telling stories, engaging in meaningful conversation, and making genuine connections. Warm, personable, and kind, he had an uncanny ability to remember what mattered most to others-leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Jack enjoyed watching professional sports, but nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children and grandchildren compete. From youth leagues through college athletics, he was a constant and enthusiastic presence, rarely missing a game or event. Family was always his top priority.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Jack was a second-generation American who maintained deep ties to Ireland. He had several close relatives there and made annual visits for decades, cherishing his connection to his roots.

In addition to his wife Sally, John is survived by his children, Susan Reinert of Walpole, MA, and Brian Cotter and his wife Caroline of Walpole, MA; his stepchildren, Walter Stanton, Jr. and his wife Shannon of West Greenwich, RI, Jason Stanton of Lyndonville, VT, and Crystal Cronin and her husband Ryan of Portsmouth, NH. He was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren: Derek, Brett, Stephanie, Liam, Jack, Meghan, Tyler, Gavin, Maxson, Kinsley, Clark, Grady, Adalynn and Norah. Jack was the brother of Joanne McCready and the late Joseph Curran.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited to go directly to Saints John and James Parish, West Warwick, on Saturday, January 3, for a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island at https://www.alz.org/ri.