Rev. Lawrence E. Cotter

Reverend Lawrence Emmett Cotter, 93, died on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Ogdensburg. He was in residence at the United Helpers Riverledge Health Care and Rehabilitation Center at the time of his death. Services will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2106 at St. Mary’s Church in Canton, New York. The Reception of the Body will take place at 9:00am followed by Calling Hours. Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00am with priests of the Diocese concelebrating. Rev. James Shurtleff will give the homily.

Father Cotter was born in Canton on November 10, 1922, the son of Edward and Margaret Cotter. After graduating from Canton High School, he received a Bachelor of Science from St. Lawrence University in 1943. Four years later he began his studies at Wadhams Hall Seminary and in 1952 completed his advanced studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. Bishop Bryan McEntegart ordained him to priesthood on June 7, 1952 at his home parish, St. Mary’s Church in Canton.

He served as an assistant for two years at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. In 1954 he began an extended period as a professor at Wadhams Hall Seminary, archivist and other positions within the Chancery and professor and chaplain at Mater Dei College. During this period, Fr. Cotter served briefly as the administrator of St. John the Evangelist Church in LaFargeville. He was appointed pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Hammond in 1978. A decade later, he served as pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Colton, St. Paul’s Church in South Colton and St.Michael's Church in Parishville. Fr. Cotter retired in 1997, continuing to serve at St. John the Baptist Church in Madrid.

Father Cotter was predeceased by his brother Rev. Charles Cotter and his twin brother Rev. Robert Cotter. He is survived by his brother Maurice, who resides in St. Joseph Nursing Home, and a cousin Lauren Stiles.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton. Memories and condolences may be expressed online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. 

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