Obituary for Jean Pierre "Jay" Cote (1942-2024)

Jean Pierre “Jay” Cote, beloved father, brother, godfather, and friend, passed away on October 22, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 82 years old.

Born on June 7, 1942, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Jay was the son of Doris and Aram Cote. He graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1960 and went on to study accounting at Johnson and Wales in Providence. After working as an accountant for his father's company, he moved to Southern California, where he went into business with his late brother, René. He then opened the Harbor Village Inn restaurant in San Pedro. After selling the restaurant, Jay transitioned to a long and successful career in various Construction Management roles, working in Los Angeles, California, and Fort Worth, Texas, before settling permanently in Santa Monica in the early 1990’s.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his brother René, and several cherished nephews and a great-nephew. He is survived by his sister, Elaine (Peter) Zando; brother, Robert (Pauline) Cote; children Jayson (Becky) Cote, Kim Cote Schaefer, and Todd Cote; grandchildren Michael Schaefer, Lily Schaefer, Rhys Cote, and Colin Cote; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known for his generosity and warmth, Jay never met a stranger and touched the lives of all who called him friend. A passionate sports fan, he proudly supported the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics, and was often seen toasting with a Budweiser at local Santa Monica sports bars. He cherished time spent with family, particularly visits with his daughter Kim and grandchildren Michael and Lily in the Boston area. He was also immensely proud of his son Jayson and the life he built for himself and his family in Long Beach and proudly cheered on his grandsons Rhys and Colin in their local youth sports. He loved it most when his sister, Elaine, joined him in California for several weeks each year.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Parish in Venice, CA, with a livestream available for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Skin Cancer Foundation or The Red Sox Foundation.

Jay will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

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