Mr. Lewis E. Cota Of Westford Passes Away

LEWIS E. COTA WESTFORD — Lewis E. Cota, 82, passed away June 9, 2005, in Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. He was born Aug. 17, 1922. Lewis married the former Esther Center on Aug. 21, 1943, in Burlington. As a veteran of World War II, he served his country well while enlisted in the U.S. Army Military Police. Lewis was a dedicated employee. Working for Pratt & Whitney manufacturing airplane parts enticed Lewis to obtain his pilot's license. He later worked with General Electric for over 24 years. He enjoyed deer and partridge hunting and always looked forward to fishing for bass and trout. Using his Vermont's ingenuity, he designed and manufactured his own pontoon boat, which created many enjoyable memories for his friends and family. Appreciating music, he was an active member of the Green Mountain Banjo Band. Lewis and his wife Esther especially remembered their trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. In his earlier years, Lewis could often be seen riding his Indian sidecar motorcycle, rarely missing one of the Laconia motorcycle races. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all of those who had the good fortune to know and love him. He is survived by his loving wife, Esther Cota of Enosburg Falls; his two sons, David Cota and wife, Jackie, of Essex Center, Paul Cota and fiancee, Ranae Clifford, of Enosburg Falls; his daughter, Norma Bessette and husband, Bob, of Milton; his two granddaughters, Sandra Cota and Rachael Cota; his two grandsons, Steve Bessette and Michael Cota; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Merrill Cota and his wife, Theresa; his sisters, Dorothy Petit and husband, Paul, and Louise Cota. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, June 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. in A.W. Rich Funeral Home, Fairfax Chapel. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, at 1 p.m. in the A.W. Rich Funeral Home, Fairfax Chapel. Interment will follow in the family lot in Brookside Cemetery, Westford, at which time full military burial honors will be accorded the World War II veteran. Memorial contributions may be made in Lewis' memory to the Westford Senior Citizens, c/o Loreen Teer, 1118 B VT Route 15, Underhill, Vt. 05489. Friends who wish may forward online condolences by visiting http://www.awrichfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by John Workman of A.W. Rich Funeral Home, Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St., Fairfax.