Francis "Frank" L. Cotter Jr.

Francis “Frank” L. Cotter Jr., 81, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, the son of the late Francis L. Cotter Sr. and Frances A. (Cotton) Cotter. He and his wife, Mary, were married for 56 years and made their home in Marlborough, where they raised their family and built a life shaped by work, loyalty, humor, and routine. His roots remained in Pepperell, where his parents, known lovingly as Ma and Pa, built a home filled with the stories, memories, and values that stayed with him throughout his life.

Frank graduated from Stonehill College, earned his Master of Social Work from Boston College, and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era aboard the USS Waller. He spent his professional career in the Waltham Public Schools, including at the Whittemore and Bright schools, where he worked as a school social worker. His work was never simply a job. Frank listened closely, noticed what others missed, and helped children and families through difficult moments. Long after his years in the schools, many remembered his steadiness, kindness, and the difference he made in their lives.

Frank was a man of words, motion, memory, and service. He wrote letters, notes, emails, reflections, and speeches, and often clipped articles from newspapers and magazines to mail to people he thought would appreciate them. He rarely sat still, caring for his family, home, yard, and pool with steady energy and precision. In Frank’s hands, even ordinary routines became ways of showing care.

He was a devoted father and a proud grandfather. As “Papa,” Frank found great joy in his grandchildren, paying close attention to their questions, interests, humor, and way of seeing the world. He did not simply spend time with them; he delighted in them and loved them deeply.

In his later years, Frank lived with dementia, a cruel illness for a man so defined by words. As speech became harder, he found quieter ways to show love — through a smile, a hand held, and the peace he found in the presence of family.

Frank is survived by his wife, Mary E. (Powers) Cotter of Marlborough; his children, Thomas E. Cotter and his wife Jennifer of Northborough, Jane E. (Cotter) LaFrankie and her husband Timothy of Marlborough, and David F. Cotter and his wife Susan of Reading; his grandchildren, Zachary, Benjamin, Lauren, and Felix; his brother Mark Cotter and his wife Lauren of Pepperell; his sister-in-law Cleta Cotter; his brother-in-law John Winslow; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Cotter and his sister Kathleen (Cotter) Winslow.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 West Main Street, Marlborough, MA.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway Street, Marlborough, MA.

Following cremation, a private burial with military honors will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to Better Day Adult Social Day Program, 195 Reservoir Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, or online at betterdayprogram.org.

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