Victor J. Cote Sr.
SCARBOROUGH – Victor J. Cote Sr., 79, of Scarborough passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, July 13, 2025, lovingly surrounded by family at his home. He was born in Scarborough on Aug.13, 1945, to Ernest L. and Helen M. (McCormick) Cote.
Victor was a lifetime resident of Scarborough. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy (1962-1966) and served aboard the USS Wasp, which played a prominent role in the recovery of numerous Gemini manned space flights during his tour. Upon returning to Scarborough he embarked on a career as a heavy equipment operator, first with LR Higgins, and then with Scarborough Public Works for over 40 years, before retiring in 2010. In retirement, he also continued to tinker on all things mechanical at Scarborough Downs until its closure.
In 1966, he married Catherine (Hamel) Cote, and began raising his family in Scarborough. He devoted his life to his family, and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man of few words but his caring nature was displayed in his actions and willingness to lend a hand to any who asked. He will be fondly remembered for the often unexpected silliness that brought smiles, giggles, and lightness to many occasions.
He loved the outdoors and had a lifetime of hunting and fishing tales and adventures, though he was not one to brag about the trophies, or complain about the ones that got away. He enjoyed being in the woods with his many hunting buddies, or with a rod on the water with his children and grandchildren.
He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Scarborough Fire Department in his younger days, and was a proud member of Moose International Fraternity (Lodge 1310), The American Legion (Post 76), and BPOE (Elks Lodge #188).
Victor was predeceased by his wife, Cathy in 2022, after 56 years of marriage. Also waiting for him on his next journey were his parents; sister, Mary (Cote ) Steger, and brothers Ernest Jr., Clifford, Stanley, Albert, and Donald.
Victor is survived by his sister, Florence Tunnell; children Michele Cote (Willy Quinn), Melissa Doughty (Shawn Doughty), Victor Cote Jr. (Jessica Gellar-Cote), and Christopher Cote (Heather Cote). He will also be missed by grandchildren Morgan (Bum Bum), Allie (Peanut), Amelia, and Audrey; all of whom he loved deeply.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday July 23, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough. Visiting hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by memorial service at 1 p.m. A reception will be held immediately after in the Hobbs Hospitality Center. A private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland at a later time.
The family wants to send sincere thanks to the staff at Maine Health Cancer Care in South Portland and to Kelly, Hope, and the other amazing staff at Hospice of Southern Maine for the kind and compassionate care he received.
To leave a note or share a memory, please visit http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Maine Cancer Foundation
170 US Route 1, Suite 250
Falmouth, ME 04105
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