He was born on June 25, 1948 to the Napoleon and Louella (Roux) Cote in Lowell, Massachusetts. He grew up in Dracut, Massachusetts, and attended Catholic schools, graduating in 1966.
He married Patricia McCarthy in 1975 and together they had two daughters.
In 1976, the couple moved to Sanford to follow his career in the shoe industry. He was employed by Mayan Plastics for about two years, and then went to work at Prime Tanning in Berwick, where he continued to work without ever missing a day until its closing in 2009. He enjoyed his career there and made many lifelong friends.
Bernie enjoyed being outdoors. Weather it was working in the woods, or hiking, he liked being with his buddies. He also loved oldies music, and “jamming out” and singing along in the car, using the dashboard for a drum. During his time at Prime Tanning, he was the caretaker of the cans and bottle department. He would bring them to his garage and spent many hours preparing them for recycling. This may have been that it gave him an excuse to be out drinking his Budweiser and smoking cigarettes, but he loved it just the same.
Being a selfless and helpful man, his family recalls countless stories of him helping those in need, weather it was bringing food to the elderly, or just lending a hand, he will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.
He is predeceased by his parents.
Survivors include, his wife of 42 years, Patricia Cote, Karen McCarthy, Tammy Gay and her husband Christopher, of Sanford, and Christina Briggs, of Falmouth, Christopher Briggs and his son Lukas, of Westbrook, sisters, Diane Breault and Sue Kapala, and brothers Al Cote, Robert Cote, Jeffrey Cote, Bruce Cote and Donald Cote, two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer Gay, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 10, at noon at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com
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