Francis “Frank” Cotter, 69, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville. He was born on July 25, 1955, to the late Frank and Josephine Franconero Cotter. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Jane Cotter.

Those left to cherish Frank’s memory are his loving wife of 23 years Patty (Patricia) Cotter; and children Michael (Cherie) Cotter, Erin (Steve) Dubell and Brian (Jamie) Cotter; as well as grandchildren, Layla and Zoey Dubell and Miles and Wes Cotter.

Frank was born and raised in Newark, N.J. He began his career after graduating from Lincoln Tech as a mechanic and continued to add to his education, graduating from Rutgers University, Newark, with a B.A. in English. He held several certifications, including a Gold Seal Boiler Operators license and became a Certified Energy Manager.

He worked at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., for 40 years beginning as an HVAC mechanic and working his way up through management, eventually retiring as an Associate Director, Facilities and Grounds for the entire Newark campus with responsibility for over 40 buildings.

He was multi-talented, known by anyone who knew or worked with him. He was gifted with the ability to repair, fabricate or build anything. He genuinely enjoyed carpentry work. He built or restored many pieces of furniture for his own home as well as for friends.

He was a member of the Cove Church, Mooresville, where he volunteered in different areas; his favorite was serving on the coffee team.

Frank and his wife relocated to Mooresville in 2017. He had a desire to serve in the community and quickly joined the Beautification Committee and served as chair on the Historical Preservation Commission. He valued the history of Mooresville and wanted to help maintain the integrity of the downtown area.

He worked part time for the Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department as a carpenter, which he thoroughly enjoyed, maintaining everything in the parks from playground equipment to park benches and tennis courts or anything else that needed attention. While working, he made many friends along the way, including every dog that walked in the town parks.

A celebration of life will be held at the Cove Church, Mooresville campus, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, 1325 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville NC 28115.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home is proudly serving the Cotter family.