Donald Stephen Cota of Lyndonville died Monday, Feb. 8, 2016
at the age of 56. He was born in St. Albans, Vermont on Jan. 24, 1960, the son of Judith (O'Donnell) Cota, who predeceased
him, and father Donald Edward Cota.
Don graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1978. Later he
became the owner and president of Vermont Aerospace. He
originated and sponsored the golf program at LI. He began a
legacy of success beginning in 2001 with the first state
championship. An avid golf enthusiast, he served on the St.
Johnsbury Country Club board for many years with a particular
focus on the development of youth golf programs in the
Northeast Kingdom.
Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather (Boppa),
uncle and devoted companion to his German Shepherd, Shelby.
The most important thing in his life was his family, and he had
a special place in his heart for his grandson, "Joshy". He
enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Crystal Lake
where he always had his famous Fourth of July fireworks. Don
was a true Vermont outdoor enthusiast with passions ranging
from fishing to hunting to gardening. He demonstrated this with
his prized green beans that we enjoyed every holiday meal and
his trophy deer displayed prominently. Don was an avid
reader and could be found with a book in hand by the fireplace
or on the porch at the lake.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of over 33 years,
Sheryl Cota; three children: son Garrett Cota, companion
Kristen Dwyer and grandson Joshy, daughter Krystal Cota, and
son Taylor Cota all of Lyndonville; his father and step-mother
Donald and Marge Cota; his father-in-law and mother-in-law
Donald and Connie Beattie; brothers Scott Cota and wife Diane;
Adam Cota; Drew Cota and wife Jordan; sister Roxanne Corrow
and husband Carl; step-sister Dawn Regis and husband Mark;
sister-in-laws Shari Austin and husband Neal, Jenny Ryan and
husband Jamie, Dyan Gulovsen and husband Eric, and Kim
Galleher and husband Henry as well as many very beloved
nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private service to honor his life.
Given Don's love of the St. Johnsbury Country Club, the family
suggests memorial contributions be directed to The St.
Johnsbury Country Club, PO Box 116, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
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