Joseph W. Cottingham

Joseph William Cottingham, 87, of North Hills, PA, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, in Norristown, PA.
Born on May 19, 1938, in Ambler, PA, Joe was the son of the late Harriet and Clement Cottingham. He graduated from Ambler Public Schools in 1957 and continued his education at Dobbins Vocational School in Philadelphia, where he studied electricity.
Joe began his career working at Merck, Sharpe & Dohme in West Point, PA. After receiving his draft notice, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following his service, Joe returned to Merck, where he dedicated over 25 years of service until his retirement at the age of 55. Never one to slow down, he later earned an associate's degree in HVAC and continued to work in the field, applying his skills life long.
On February 18, 1967, Joe married the love of his life, Willene Simpson. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising three children: Reginald Cottingham (who preceded him in death in 1986), Trina Cottingham, and Naiga Cottingham. He was a proud grandfather to Richard and Anthony Williams.
Joe was a man of deep character, known for his sharp sense of humor, tireless work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need. He loved the outdoors and found joy in fishing, camping, hunting, traveling, riding his Harley Davidson, additionally he was a skilled craftsman. Whether on a job site, at home with his family, or out in nature, Joe brought energy, wisdom, and warmth to everything he did.
He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Willene Cottingham; his brother Dr. Clement Cottingham, his children, Trina and Naiga; his grandchildren, Richard and Anthony; and all those whose lives he touched with his generosity, laughter, and strength. Now at rest, Joe is reunited with his beloved son Reginald and other loved ones who passed before him. May he find eternal peace, and may those who knew him find comfort in remembering a life so well lived.
Funeral Services will be held privately on June 21, 2025.