Raymond P. Cote, 77, died on January 10, 2023 at his home following a long illness.

Born in Danielson, CT on April 8, 1945, he was the son of Joan Caputo and Lawrence Cote. Ray was raised by his mother and stepfather, George Payne Jr. in Yonkers where he lived until moving to Wappingers Falls in 1987. He attended St. Mary's School, Ben Franklin Middle School and graduated from Yonkers High School. His first job at the age of 13 was at Patsy Gambardella's Garage, where all of their employees became like family. Four months after turning 17, Ray joined the Navy in 1962 but was discharged under honorable conditions in November of 1962. He then worked for General Motors in Tarrytown, and as a corrections officer at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, before starting his career as a Police Officer.

Raymond Cote was appointed to the Yonkers Police Dept. on August 24, 1973. Following his recruit training, Prob. PO Cote was assigned to patrol duties in the North Command (old 4th pct.), While off duty Ray continued to work part time at Gambardella's garage as a mechanic. At one point, Ray was assigned to the Community Patrol Unit (CPU) which restricted patrol to the N/W side of the city. Ray's former partner and good friend, Ret PO Neil Wallace, wrote the following: "In 1975 and being a rookie, I had the privilege to work with Ray a few times, and we became fast friends. Ray was riding in 10-Baker car when a spot opened up and he asked me if I'd like to be his new partner. Naturally, I jumped right in. Though we only rode together for three years it was a lifetime, and we would remain lifelong friends. Ray even traveled to Ireland to be best man at my wedding in 1983." Then, living in Wappingers Falls, on October 24, 1988, Ray was transferred to the 1st pct on patrol duty. He remained in the 1st pct right up to his retirement on March 24, 1994. Ray was clearly a man who needed to be busy and as such he worked for many years at St. John's Hospital on their security detail. And as if he wasn't busy enough, being an avid fisherman, he and Neil had to get out on April 1 for trout fishing. He was also an avid hunter, golfer, and he loved to bowl in a league with his brother Phil at Home-Field Bowl Lanes. Ray also loved to play Star Trek video games. He was even part of a club where he would compete online. Ray received many letters of commendation and department awards which is not surprising. In retirement he still kept active until recently when his health changed.

More than anything, Ray was very family orientated, and cherished spending time with his family. Ray's close friend, Neil Wallace, summed it up like this. "Ray was a good father, a good cop, a good partner, a good friend, a good man, and a patriot. He will be missed; I miss him already."

Ray is survived by his daughter, Danielle and her husband Brian Ewing; his son, Michael Cote; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Justin, Landon, Mason and Greyson; his brother, Phillip Cote and his wife Marleen; his sister Carol Lynne Penta; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday at 10am at St. Colulmba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.