CARIBOU — Emile Nelson Côté, 78, died November 30, 2015 at Eastern Maine Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 9, 1937 in Caribou, the beloved son of Henry and Louise (Ouellette) Côté.
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| Emile Nelson Côté |
After graduating from Caribou High School in 1955, Emile spent one tour of duty as a Radioman in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Des Moines, CA-134 based out of Norfolk, Virginia. His tour took him around the world, but most of the tour was spent in the Mediterranean Sea. Upon completing his tour, he left active duty and lived the remainder of his life in Caribou.
After the U.S. Navy, Emile worked a short while at Martin’s Shoe Store located on the original Sweden Street. He later began a long work career with New England Telephone, then a part of American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T). After the breakup of AT&T, he continued to work for its successors, New York-New England Exchange (NYNEX), Bell Atlantic and finally Verizon. After he retired, he worked part-time for Rene Gagnon at Caribou Mattress & Furniture.
Emile was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), enjoyed making wood furniture and watching NASCAR races every weekend during racing season. His long time favourite was “The King”, Richard Petty in the familiar Number 43 STP Pontiac.
Emile was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith (Michaud) Côté of Caribou; his sons, Craig Côté of Caribou and Christopher Côté of Jacksonville, FL; his grand-daughter, Michaela (Côté) Henne and his great-grandson, Parker Henne of Lancaster, PA; three sisters, Lorraine (Côté) Currier of Granby, MA, Joann (Côté) Plourde of New Britain, CT, and Louise (Côté) Olmstead of Fort Fairfield; three brothers, Gilbert Côté of Stafford Springs, CT, Wilfred Côté of Caribou, and Gayland Côté of East Hartford, CT; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Emile was predeceased by his brother, Delmer Côté of Berlin, CT.
A private celebration of Emile’s life and Honor Guard Ceremony will be held for family & friends on May 6th at 1 p.m. at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emile’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine at www.rmhcmaine.org or to the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation at maineveteranscemeterycaribou.org.
