Mark David Cote, affectionately known to his family and friends as Mark, of Lecanto, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on March 19, 2024 at the age of 55.
Mark was born in Concord, New Hampshire October 18, 1968 a son of David Henri Cote and Margaret Mary Concannon Cote. “All American” was a description that described him well while he attended Deering High School in Portland, Maine. He played football…but stood out for his speed in track and field…and broke the state record for the 110 hurdles his senior year. He enjoyed being on the water, and was a lifeguard at Scarbrow Beach during the summers.
Mark earned a track scholarship to The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and matriculated as a recruit of Oscar Company…”The Mighty O”…on August 15, 1987. He became a member of the Corps of Cadets on Parents Weekend…and spent the next four years forming a bond with the school…and his “brothers”…that remained strong until his passing. He excelled as a cadet, and held various positions of rank as an NCO and later as a Second Lieutenant, and Company Athletic Officer, his senior year. Mark possessed an outgoing and “larger than life” personality that enabled him to not only become close this his company classmates…but also made him very popular with other young men across campus. After four years of trials and tribulations, he proudly graduated with the Class of 1991.
Mark furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He became a Marine Risk Engineer…and was unmatched in his expertise and professionalism. He possessed a rare ability to connect and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and his background included time working at The Hartford/Navigators Group, Arthur J. Gallagher, NJ and Associates, Zurich Financial Services, Crawford and Company, and The Oscar Company. He was recognized as an expert witness in Marine and Property Investigations.
Mark is survived by his parents, and by his two beloved sons Thomas and Noah Cote . He leaves behind his brother Christopher Cote (Gretchen), his niece Gabrielle Cote, and he also maintained a close connection with his former wives Carolyn Cote, and Dr. Erika Blank. Mark loved animals, especially his canine companions Romeo, Lukey, Emma and Oscar.
In accordance with Mark’s wishes, a portion of his ashes will be interred on the family burial site in Maine, and a portion will be scattered by his classmates at one of his favorite locations on Sullivan’s Island in Charleston.