Arthur J. Cote

MARBLEHEAD - Arthur J. Cote, 91, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at Salem Hospital on Friday, October 23. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Sallie (Phillips) Cote.

Born in Salem, Arthur was the son of the late Arthur and Emilda (Allian) Cote. He was raised and educated in Salem, graduating from Salem High School in 1953.

Arthur worked for the airline industry at Logan Airport. He spent over 30 years with Eastern Airlines before retiring at the tender age of 55.

An avid outdoorsman, Arthur loved boating in Salem Harbor aboard his boat, "My Gal Sal," named in honor of his wife. His days were filled with fishing, scuba diving, and lobstering. He stayed active by walking and swimming daily at the local YMCA.

In his daily life, Arthur found joy in simple routines. He spent Sundays on the phone with his dear friend, Betty Hunt, working through the New York Times crossword puzzle. He was also a fixture at The Muffin Shop on Washington Street in Marblehead's Old Town, where he would wave to passersby from his chair by the window. Deeply generous and community-minded, he frequently picked up elderly friends to bring them along to the shop to share a morning coffee.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Arthur J. Cote Jr.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife, Sallie (Phillips) Cote; his son, Gary Cote and his wife Robin of Middleton; his grandchildren, Brian Cote of Florida and Briana (Cote) Pena and her husband Jesse of North Carolina; and four great grandchildren Ethan, Emma, McKenna and Hadley; his sister Gertrude (Cote) Muse and her husband James Muse; nephews James, Michael, William and nieces Susan and Denise as well as many friends who will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and zest for life.

ARRANGEMENTS: His Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date, when relatives and friends are invited to attend. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 184 Washington Square, Salem. Donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.