Leo E. Cote, Jr.

MILLBURY -  Leo E. Cote, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2023 in Worcester.

Leo leaves his sister Beverly A. (Cote) Sullivan of Shrewsbury, MA; his nephew Henry A. Sullivan and his wife Cheryl of Northville, MI; his nephew James L. Sullivan of Beverly Hills, CA; his niece Anne E. (Sullivan) Dunphy and her husband John Dunphy of Shrewsbury, MA; and two grand-nephews and three great-grand nieces. He was predeceased by his mother Anna G. (Betters) Cote, his father Leo E. Cote, Sr., and his bothers Richard G. Cote and Robert E. Cote.

Leo graduated from Millbury High School and Worcester Boys Trade School.  He worked for many years as a welder at Cote Brothers Welding in Sutton, MA. He proudly served in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 9 in Millbury.  He was a member of the Central Massachusetts Steam, Gas & Machinery Association and the Straw Hollow Engine Works.

Most days Leo could be found puttering around his yard, ever vigilant that his hedges were perfectly trimmed and his grass better maintained than a golf course. He was a wizard with engines, taking old lawn mowers and snow blowers and making them new again. His neighbors often stopped by and Leo would chat about his many interests-- hunting and fishing, stock car racing, antique cars, and old engine shows. He was always available to lend a helping hand.

The family would like to thank his neighbors, that tight-knit community on Ackerman Road and Maplewood Road, who offered Leo their friendship and care throughout his life and comfort to his family in the last weeks of his life.

The family would also like to thank UMass Memorial Hospital, particularly the CCU and Surgical ICU, who offered extraordinary care and compassion to Leo and his family.

His funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 5^th at 10 a.m. at St. Philip’s Church, 12 West Street, Grafton, MA. Burial will follow in St. Philips Cemetery, Grafton.  There are no calling hours.