After a brief illness, Anthony “Pete” Cottiero, 83, of Cheshire passed away peacefully on June 7, surrounded by his loving family. Anthony was born in New Haven, the faithful son of the late Phillip and Julia (Raiano) Cottiero. Tony was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 57 years, Ann (Invernale) Cottiero. Together they raised and cherished their two children, Thomas Cottiero and Julianne Vaill Cottiero. Tony was the proud and beloved “Poppy” of Nicholas and Taylor Vaill. Affectionately known as “Brother” to his immediate family, Anthony was the younger sibling to Christine (Joseph) Massa and the late Grace (Vincent) Buonocore. Beyond being an adoring family man, Anthony will be forever remembered as a kind, compassionate and giving person. From his fellow residents at Elim Park Place to his many business associates, Tony gave of himself in so many extraordinary ways. A gregarious personality and generous spirit, he earnestly desired to bring happiness to the lives of others. In addition to daily interactions, Tony engaged in countless forms of public service, including volunteering in support of Special Olympics and the Italian Earthquake Victims. Anthony Cottiero’s giving heart was matched by an incredible mind and business acumen. A graduate of both the Stone Business College and the University of New Haven, Tony parlayed his formal degrees into a variety of successful ventures. A retired Insurance Consultant, he most recently established Burial at Sea, a business which allowed him the opportunity to use his love of the sea to assist grieving families. An avid fisherman and captain of Mister Sea, Tony was a member of both the Oyster Point Marina and West Haven Yacht Club. This passion was nurtured by his service in the United States Navy aboard the USS New Jersey. He served civilians in the 1957 evacuation of Formosa and was honorably discharged in 1957. A military service to honor his memory will take place Wednesday June10, 2020. Boating was not his only indulgence. Few people enjoyed food and sharing meals with family as much as Anthony Cottiero. The sight of Tony eating spaghetti and crab sauce is indelible.
Anthony Cottiero was a devoted parishioner at St. Joan of Arc church in Hamden. He made a profound impact on the lives of so many people and his legacy of love and selflessness will live on.
The visiting hours will be Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A service will be conducted at 11:00. A procession will follow to Centerville Cemetery, Hamden for a graveside service with full military honors.
My sincere & heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tony’s family. I was devastated to learn of the news. Tony was a sweetheart to me and I was blessed to become a friend as he was my Mom’s neighbor at Elim. He always had a kind word, a warm hug, a genuine concern for everyone’s well-being. I am forever grateful to him as he kept a close eye on Mom and assisted her any way he could. At every visit I would find a note, boating information to share and the ever present chocolate bar. I will miss him!
The only comfort I can bring you at this time is to share that I know he is happy to now be with his beloved Anne; he spoke of her all the time! He was a good man and is at peace. 🙏
My sincere condolences to Brothers family. I am so very sorry to hear this. He was always so active and his energy was contagious. I know he will be missed.
So sorry for your loss Julie, Tommy, Nick, Taylor, Christine and everyone else close to him. Brother was an amazing person, and I’m so glad I got to be so close with him throughout my life. I’ll miss the deliveries to our mailbox of clementines and chocolate bars to the house.
The members of the West Haven Yacht Club hope your seas are calm, the sky clear and your next port of call a peaceful harbor.
Tony was a very special person. He made everyone around him fell special. I spent many Sundays on the boat with Tony and Tommy. Tony made you feel like you chartered a boat for the day; he would bait the poles, take the fish off the hooks, feed you all day (Tony made the best “sandweech”), and then at the end of the day he would clean your fish. It was an honor to be part of Tony’s life in a small way. Tony touched the lives of so many people and I know Tommy and Julie are so proud of their dad and will cherish the memories.
May your seas be calm, the sky clear and your next port of call a peaceful harbor.
members of the West Haven Yacht Club
Dear Tommy, Julie, Nick, and Taylor, I am so sorry for your deep loss. Your Father/Poppy loved the four of you more than anything on earth. You were his heart. I’m praying for peace and comfort in your suffering.
Dear Julie, Tom and family,
We were so shocked to hear about your Dad’s passing. We had just emailed a few weeks before, tried to keep in touch. As I am sure you know already, what an amazing person he was, always ready to help, a really good friend to have had for many years. He will be truly missed.
With our deepest sympathy,
Sincerely,
Jeanne and John Marone