Atkinson, NH: Joseph N. Cote, 86, a resident of the Town of Atkinson for fifty-nine years, died February 21, at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA.

Born in Methuen, MA, son of the late Eli and Lumina (Blanchette) Cote, he was raised and educated in Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High School, with the Class of 1953. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Mr. Cote served in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief, working on the F86 Fighter Jet. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was employed as a quality Control Engineer at Raytheon with forty years of service at the time of his retirement.

Mr. Cote met his wife Evelyn R. (Bourque) Cote at the Commodore Ballroom and immediately fell in love with her. He proposed on their first date, and they were married six months later in 1957. They enjoyed sixty-one happy years of marriage until her death in 2018. They enjoyed many activities together, and he especially enjoyed their regular visits to the Beach Plum for giant lobster rolls.

Mr. Cote enjoyed deep sea fishing, gardening, skiing and motorcycling. He had an eclectic appreciation for music and was an avid fan of Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins and also enjoyed watching football and baseball.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Shirley Leith of Sandown, two sons and daughters-in-law, Gilbert and Paula Cote of Houston TX, and Steven and Guilling Cote of Newton, NH, a grandson, Jonathan Leith and his wife, Taryn, and a step grand-daughter, Ann. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, David Leith, a brother, Robert Cote, and two sisters, Georgette Cross and Reina Parks.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Cote's Life Celebration to be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. Burial with Military Honors will take place in the Spring in Atkinson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations be made to Atkinson Elder Services, 19 Academy Avenue, Atkinson, NH. To send a message of condolence to the family or to share a cherished memory, please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com .