Eric Cota

MONTGOMERY CENTER - Eric Hazen Cota, age 67, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday February 16, 2012, with his devoted wife by his side.

He was born March 13, 1944 in Lowell the son of the late Leon & Katherine (Crandall) Cota.

Eric began his career in Lowell working on the Mink Farm in 1961. Not a very pleasant job but he and friend Doug truly enjoyed racing their cars to work over Hazen\u0027s Notch after school! Then as a Barber in Milton where he learned many great barbershop jokes to bring home to his wife, Jo. His true calling was operating heavy construction equipment. Eric was a true artist with equipment making it look easy to folks that enjoyed watching him do what he loved. His expert eye, attention to detail, and construction knowledge led to the founding of Erics Excavation and Finished Landscaping in 1990. Eric was an avid hunter, enjoying hunting whitetails in and around Montgomery with his son, Jim, and grandson, Hazen, his brothers and nephews. He was particularly proud of his 8-point, 227-pound whitetail harvested in 1995 near his Montgomery camp. Eric loved spending time with his family and friends at the Cota Camp enjoying many sunsets, bonfires, hunts, card games and barbecues.

For the past several years, Eric and Jo spent their winters in Florida. They enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine, visiting the local flea markets, driving on the beach, and playing hand and foot with their friends.

Eric was proud to serve his community on the original Water Board, as Town Constable for many years and particularly for his work at the Montgomery Recreation Center. He did all the original earthwork at the recreation center and enjoyed volunteering for field cleanups over the years. He was honored to be a part of the creation of Kalebs Memorial ball field in the village.

Nothing made Eric more proud than his grandchildren. He loved every minute he spent with them. In the woods with his grandsons, on the bleachers cheering on his basketball players, parked behind home plate watching ball games from his convertible, or across the card table from any one of them is where he was happiest.

Eric is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Geraldine Jo (LaMonda) Cota. Eric & Jo were married on September 21, 1963. Also surviving are their children, son Jim, his partner Sidney Phelps along with his children, Ashley, Whitney and Hazen Cota; daughter, Lynn and her children CJ, Cameron, Casey and Gabriella Caforia. He also leaves his brother, Ken and his daughter, Heather; his sister, Kathie and her husband Forrest; sister-in-law, Sandie and her sons, Marty and his daughter Krystal, and Dana his wife Kelly and their children Evan & Connor. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Betty Clark, Annette & Clement Dulude, Shirley & Rayburn Donna, Alma Dulude, Lauren & Bob Young, and David & Joyce LaMonda; along with many nieces and nephews. Eric also leaves his beloved dog Bailey. Eric was predeceased by his parents, brother, Bob Cota, and in-laws Wilfred & Mary LaMonda, Bernard Clark and Marcel Dulude.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 11:00 AM at St. Isidores Catholic Church, 169 Mountain Road, Montgomery Center with Rev. Karl Hahr celebrating the Mass of Christian burial. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in St. Isidores Cemetery. In keeping with Erics wishes, family and friends will gather at the Cota Camp for a celebration of his life later this year. Details will be announced at a later date.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.

For those who wish, contributions in Erics memory may be made to either the: Lamoille Area Cancer Network, Inc. PO Box 38 Lake Elmore, VT 05657 or the American Heart Association P.O. Box 417005 Boston, MA. 02241-7005