Jospeh P. Cottone

OBITUARY

Joseph P. Cottone, 68, of Coatesville, PA and formerly of Dupont and Old Forge, died Sunday, June 28, 2026 at his home in the presence of those who loved him most. His loving wife is Fran Williams Opazo.

Born in Pittston to the late Joseph A. and Dolores Snopkowski Cottone, he was a 1976 graduate of Old Forge High School and a 1980 graduate of Penn State University, main campus, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in Forest Ecosystem Management. Joe was employed at various companies, including Eberhard Faber, CertainTeed, Specialty Plastics, Kerr-McGee, Arlington Industries, Proctor & Gamble, and Sanofi Pasteur. Joe was a faithful Catholic and parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Dupont, where he spent much of his time volunteering at the parish picnic in the past.

He was a man of many interests that reflected his enthusiasm for life. Whether tending to his garden, casting a line into a favorite fishing spot, or cheering on his favorite sports teams such as Penn State or the Philadelphia Phillies, he embraced each day with gratitude. His dedication to nature brought him to nurture a Norfolk Island pine tree for numerous years; for it joined him with every location or home he settled to. He enjoyed keeping physically fit, looked forward to time spent at the beach, and always loved to admire vehicles at local car shows. Halloween was a favorite time of year for Joe. It brought out his playful spirit.

Joe became a passionate advocate for raising awareness for pancreatic cancer during his own battle and was a speaker at the NEPA Purple Stride Walk. He cherished his time spent in Coatesville and never lost his love of his hometown of Old Forge, especially the time spent during his youth in the Babylon section of town. His days playing baseball and his circle of friends meant the world to him. He will be remembered for his generous heart, positive outlook, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His mark as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother is his legacy.

Also surviving are a son, Joey Cottone (wife, Ashley) of Pittston; a step-daughter, Jennifer Majors (husband Kyle) of Culpeper, VA; a grandson, Joseph Cottone; step-grandchildren, Kayla and Carter Majors and Chloe Dobyns; a sister, Donna Cottone (significant other, Frank Chickey) of Pittston Twp.; a former spouse with whom he spent 23 years raising their loving son Joey, Katherine Davis of Pittston Twp.; many cousins; and a host of close friends from high school and college.

The funeral will begin Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM from Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services, LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont to be celebrated by Rev. Thomas J. Petro, Pastor. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Friday morning from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at the funeral home. To leave an online condolence visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.

Joseph P. Cottone

June 28, 2026