Robert W. Cote

Robert Wilfred Cote, 84, passed away Dec. 2, 2023, at home. He was born Feb. 4, 1939, to William J. Cote and Regina M. (Bernier) Cote, one of nine children.

Papa, as he was known to most, developed his work ethic as a young man. He worked alongside his father in a shoe shop, cutting leather during the day and taking shifts as night watchman so that his father could sleep. He worked construction with a cousin until he ventured out on his own and built dozens of homes as he and his wife, Joellyn, raised a family. They retired to Florida while still in their 40s, and after becoming restless they started creating wood crafts that would become a booming business throughout Florida and the Northeast.

Robert was Papa to everyone he met, sharing his wisdom, work ethic, candy bowl, and anything else he had that someone might need. He enjoyed working in his yard, tending to his birds, traveling, buying hotrods, and supporting his grandchildren in their endeavors. He carried on his wife’s love of Elvis, becoming the biggest fan of his tribute artist grandson.

Robert is survived by his three daughters, Lois Brauckmuller and husband Bill, Brenda Noller and husband Mike, Dianne Semmes and husband Jon, all of Dunnellon; five grandchildren, Chris Brauckmuller and wife Linde of Washington, D.C., Amanda Schaffer and husband Mike, Jamie Brauckmuller and partner Dena Ditzel, Cote Deonath, Jade Deonath, all of Dunnellon; two great-grandsons, Eagan Schaffer and Henry Brauckmuller; two sisters, Pauline Nichols of Stratham, N.H., and Sister Bernadette Cote of Sisters of Presentation of Mary in Hudson, N.H.; three brothers, Lionel Cote and Gerard Cote both of Epping, N.H., Philip Cote of Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and close family friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Joellyn (Trefethen) Cote, sister Rose Schlottmann of Manchester, N.H, and two brothers, Roger Cote of Epping, N.H., and Norman Cote of Minnesota.

Private services will be held in Dunnellon at a later time. At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County (hospiceofmarioncounty.com) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).