Francis X. Cotter

Francis X. Cotter, 80 of 1060 Main Street, Webster Towers, Worcester died Tuesday in Beaumont Center, Plantation Street.
Born on Woodland Street in Main South, Fran was the son of Thomas F. Cotter and Therese J. Gannon, he was predeceased by his sisters: Dorothy Collette; Ruth J. Connors and Rosemary Naughton, all of Worcester. Francis attended St Peter's High School, lived his entire life in Main South, attended Holy Cross College and served in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Francis was a loving uncle to many nieces, nephews and had over 20 great nieces and nephews. He leaves Joan Naughton, Rosemary Naughton, Thomas Naughton, all of Worcester; Paul Collette of Worcester; Brenda Connors of Truro; Tim Connors of Encinitas, CA; Patricia Stakum of Doylestown, PA; Kathleen Head of Littleton, NH; Margaret Hoogasian of Shrewsbury; Marie McGrail of Westwood; the late Francis X. Naughton Jr. and Annie Livingston of Alaska. This and the next generation family and many friends were Fran's loving circle.
Vacationing at Hampton Beach, golfing at Green Hill, swimming in Lake Quinsigamond at the Washington Club and cheering for the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots every game were his passions. He was a great friend to many and over his lifetime enjoying comraderies with two lifelong main south pals – the late Eddie Long and Mike Sullivan of Worcester.
Fran's recollection of the 1953 Worcester tornado was chronicled from his experience as then a 15-year-old. Committed to lending a hand during the rebuilding efforts, he worked round-the-clock with his father, family and friends to lent his older sister, Ruth and her husband Tim help in reconstructing their devastated Burncoat street. Low and behold, amidst the rubble that Fran was clearing, he noticed a stream of sunshine and discovered his sister's missing wedding ring- - buried several feet down.
Fran faced all of life's challenges with an indomitable spirit, faith, courage, hope and that shining light.
The family would like to thank Franny's niece Joan, the loving staff of the Beaumont in Worcester and the Salmon Hospice Group for all their care and compassion.
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday February 15th from 5 to 7pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am in St Peter's Church, 931 Main St. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.