Edward T. Cotter

Edward Timothy Cotter, 96, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019 in Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Mary Cotter (nee Kazakauskas) in 2014.

Edward was born January 29, 1923 in Chicago, IL to William and Florence Cotter. He attended Lindblom High school in Chicago. He enjoyed playing drums in the school band and later became a member of a swing band with friends. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in World War II as a quartermaster on an attack transport ship in the South Pacific. He married his sweetheart, Julia Mary on March 3, 1946 in Chicago, IL. He worked as a newspaper pressman for the Chicago American and Chicago Tribune. In later years, he worked at Alco Gravure printing company and also the Hammond Times. He served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout troop 691 for many years and surely influenced many young lives in a very positive way. His favorite pastimes were tennis, dancing, traveling, golf, reading and especially doing crossword puzzles. He loved listening to music from the Big Band era as well as attending concerts. Edward retired and he and Julia eventually moved to Cypress Cove in Fort Myers, FL. They both volunteered at Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers for many years. Edward made many friends at Cypress Cove and enjoyed various activities including bingo and bocce ball. He especially enjoyed “Healthy Pursuits” meetings for men. He always took time to greet others and make them feel special. His favorite motto in life was “It never hurts to say hello.” Edward was a humble man, and a devoted husband and father. He was most proud of raising his family and loved them all.

Edward is survived by five loving children, Terence Cotter (late Geraldine), Richard Cotter, Gary Cotter (Elaine), Carol Bartkus (Robert), Judy Michalak (Robert), one sister, Dorothy Paulan, one brother, Richard Cotter (Patricia), as well as fourteen grandchildren, Christine Denney (Eric), Timothy Cotter (late), Lindsey Mackenzie(J.B.), Mary Murray (Stephen), Carol Dougherty (Thomas), Kathleen Cotter, Julie Cotter, Suzanne Cotter (Wayne), Thomas Cotter (Anna), Joseph Bartkus (Andrea), Elizabeth McNamara (Patrick), Cynthia Stewart (Andrew), Alison Michalak, Matthew Michalak, as well as twenty great grandchildren, Lauren, Christopher, Johnathan, Elizabeth, William, Alex, Nora, Sean, Emmett, Tessa, Connor, Brynn, Brandon, Bennett, Avery, Mary Katherine, Patrick, Cameron, Caroline, Weston as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

No formal services are planned at this time.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.