Weirs Beach, NH - William S. “Bill” Cotter, Jr., 75, of Weirs Beach, NH and Beverly, MA, husband of Wendy Spencer-Cotter, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Rosewood Rehabilitation Center, Peabody, MA, with family by his side.
Born in Peabody, MA, he was the son of the late William S. and Ellen M. “Nell” (Lane) Cotter, Sr.
Bill attended Saint Mary's High School in Lynn and Boston College, graduating with honors in Business Administration.
A Vietnam veteran, Bill served with the Coast Guard and later the Coast Guard Reserve until his retirement after 23 years of service with the rating of Lieutenant. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, various Vietnam Campaign and Service medals as well as a meritorious Unit Commendation.
Bill was a firefighter for the City of Beverly from 1971 until he retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 1998.
He was a life member of the VFW, Post 1670, and the Wilkins-Smith American Legion, Post 1, both of Laconia, NH, and a member of the Vittori Rocci Post 56, and the Franco American Club, both of Beverly. An avid Harley Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast, he was a member of a local chapter of the Red Knights Firefighters International Motorcycle Club.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 31 years, he is survived by two daughters, Lane Sabatini, Lori Cotter, 3 step-sons, Travis Davison, Spencer Davison, Bryan Davison and survived by several cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Richard L. Cotter, US Marines, who lost his life in Vietnam, and his son, William S. Cotter, III.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 at 11am at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Thursday, 4 to 7 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to: Andrew P. Hawryluk Scholarship FireFighter Fund. c/o Beverly Fire Department, 15 Hale St., Attn: Chad McCormack, Beverly, MA 01915. For on line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.