Richard P. Cotter, Jr. Ph.D

Richard P. Cotter, Jr., Ph.D., 77, of Holliston, MA, formerly of Natick, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Born in Framingham on February 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Richard P. and Dorothy M. (Harrigan) Cotter. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Saunders) Cotter and the devoted and proud father to Jennifer Cotter of Charlestown, Justin Cotter of Wilbraham, Sarah McGillicuddy and her husband Peter of Holliston, and Emily Durkin and her husband Joe of Cohasset. Dick's grandchildren filled his world: Cora and Alden McGillicuddy, and Desmond and Ellie Durkin.

He was the cherished eldest sibling of James, Kevin, Joan, Timothy, Patricia, Kathryn, and Robert, and the late Michael Cotter, who is survived by his wife Jean. He is also survived by many treasured nieces and nephews, valued brother and sister-in-laws, cousins he felt strong bonds with, along with his lifelong friends, Vincent and Jane Purpura.

Relationships were everything to Dick and family had no peer: both immediate and extended. He met Karen in middle school, but it wasn’t until working together at Dug Pond in Natick, during college, that their love story began. This connection led to more than 53 years of shared marriage and love.

Dr. Richard Cotter, as referred to by his students, was an educator and lifelong learner who found great joy in both teaching and being a student. A visionary in his field, Dick developed one of Massachusetts’ first work-study graduate programs for underserved students in Natick, which he coined "Omega", the last stop, the final letter of the Greek alphabet. After decades of shaping the futures of countless high school graduates, Dick transitioned to teaching advanced placement psychology and undergraduate courses at Northeastern University, ultimately ending his college career at Curry College. He was the recipient of the Natick Shining Light Award and the Herve B. Lemaire Award for Excellence in Education, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to teaching.

Throughout his life, Dick was deeply committed to health and wellness. He lived by example, offering guidance to others without judgment. His cousin recently summed up his essence,"the first word that has always come to mind when I think of Dick is strong. Strong physically but more importantly, that quiet strength that always makes you feel loved and protected . When he listened, he really listened." This noble man who touched the lives of so many will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 7th, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley. Interment will follow at Dell Park Cemetery, Natick. Visiting hours will be Thursday, February 6th, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, Natick, MA. For directions and the guest book, please visitwww.everettfuneral.com.

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