Howard J. Cota of North Troy VT passed away on July 17th 2024 at his home. He was born on June 13th 1932 in Jay VT to the late Archie and Hazel (Morse) Cota.

He married Melba Willis on September 15th 1951. They had almost 73 years of a beautiful marriage.

Howard had many jobs including farming, many years at jay peak and town manager of Troy. Later on in life he started and operated Cota Sanitation and Mini Mart.

Howard enjoyed playing many instruments, spending time with his family and being on a bowling league. Howard enjoyed taking his 1977 Chevy Impala to car shows. He was a member of the Troy Masonic Lodge for over 60 years.

He is survived by his wife Melba Cota of North Troy, VT, Children Stanley Cota and his wife Anne of Troy VT, Douglas Cota and his partner Tina Willis of Newport VT, Brian Cota and his wife Terry of Hardwick VT, Keith Cota of Troy VT, Peggy Richardson and her husband Keith of Lowell VT and Janet Cota of Newport VT, as well as many grand and great grandchildren and many relatives in Canada.

He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Kathy Cota, his parents Archie Sr. & Hazel Cota and his brothers Arnold and Archie Cota. Grandson Robert Cota and great grandchildren Nathaniel Cota and Aaliyah Descheneau.

Funeral services will be held July 27, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.  at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, with the Rev. David Lisner officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday July 27, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of the funeral.  If friends desire, memorial contributions may be in Howard's name to the MARY WRIGHT HALO Foundation, 1073 upper quarry rd, Newport, VT 05855.

Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.