CHICOPEE – Paul R. Cote, 89, of the Fairview section of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. He passed into Eternal Life at Willimansett Center West in Chicopee surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born at home in the Fairview section of Chicopee, a beloved son of the late George and Edith (St. Louis) Cote and was a lifelong resident of Fairview. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War and attained the rank of Gunner’s Mate Second Class. He served aboard the USS Louisville, the USS Duncan and the USS Heyliger. He received the American Area Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal with Six Stars, the American Defense Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he returned to Fairview where he was employed for many years as a finish carpenter for the Carpenter’s Union Local 108. Paul’s pride and joy was his workshop at his home where he enjoyed puttering and working on various projects for his family and friends. During his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping and was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a longtime member of the Fairview American Legion Post 438 and was a lifelong communicant of Saint Anne Church in Fairview. He was a loving man who adored his family and showered them with his love and affection which was returned to him a thousand fold. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Cecile E. (Lafleur) Cote who was Called Home on November 29, 2008. They were married at Saint Anne Church in Fairview on June 19, 1948 and were blessed with over 60 years of happiness together. He leaves his loving children, David A. Cote and his wife, Sharon of Plymouth, MA, James P. Cote of Fairview, Robert J. Cote and his wife, Debbie of Belchertown and Jean M. Wagner and her husband, Jeffrey of Hudson, MA; his 11 cherished grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pepere”, Christopher G. Cote, Jaime L. Ruffini and her husband, Peter, Jeremy J. Cote and his wife, Shannon, Jessica M. Steiger and her husband, Martin, Justin P. Cote, Jillian T. Cote, Heather R. Gaj and her husband, Peter, Robert J. Cote, Jr., Jennifer M. Williford, Jason P. Williford and his fiancée, Lisa Marcheterre, and Paul D. Wagner; his 11 cherished great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pep”, Jennifer, Kayla, Emily, William, Ahlysea, Trinity, Alexis, Jaylen, Madyson, Kyrsten and Morgan; and his many dear nephews and nieces. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his three dear brothers, Donald, Rene and Joseph Cote; and his three dear sisters, Mildred Senecal, Ora Quenneville and Claire Conner. His funeral will be held on Monday morning, December 3, 2012 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Committal Service with Military Honors will follow the Mass at 1 pm in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.