ORRINGTON – William Alfred Cotter, 91, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 12, 2007, at his home. He was born Nov. 30, 1916, in Everett, Mass., the son of Leland B. and Ellen M. (Brown) Blake. Bill graduated from Brewer High School, Class of 1933, with high honors. He served 14 months in World War II as a flight engineer, having many close calls during battle. Bill served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer with an honorable discharge March 1, 1957. Bill then served 10 years in the Fleet Reserve. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif., and San Francisco, on the troop ship Republic in Aguana, Guam, Tinian, Iwo Jima, Coronado Naval Base, San Diego, Honolulu, Pawtuxent River, Md., Westover Air Force Base, and Chicopee Falls, Mass., retiring from the Brunswick Naval Air Station. He received the following medals: World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal and the American Defense Medal. Bill was a member of the Orrington VFW and Fraternal Order of the Eagles, where he enjoyed socializing with many good friends. Bill took private flying lessons as well. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed baseball, golfing, pool, hunting and fishing. Bill’s favorite pastime was having a daily game of Scrabble with his wife. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 66 years, Louine (Spinney) Cotter; children, Dianne Levesque and husband, Robert, of Winslow, Wilfred Cotter of Orrington and Ellen Cotter of Brewer; grandchildren, Richard Cotter Jr., Tracy Adkins, Michael Levesque, Monte Levesque, Matthew Levesque, Benjamin Levesque, Mark Cotter, Jody Croft, Andrew Hillman, Amanda Hillman, Luke Demmons and Chiyanne Cotter; 16 great-grand-children, several nieces and nephews; and a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, John and Elizabeth Buckingham. He was predeceased by his son, Richard Cotter, April 2007. Friends are invited to call 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Brookings-Smith Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at Brookings-Smith Reception Rooms, 55 South Main St., Brewer, after the service. Interment will be in the spring at Dean Hill Cemetery, Orrington. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Orrington VFW.
WILLIAM ‘BILL’ A. COTTER
