Ghislain "Frenchie" Cote

Ghislain “Frenchie” Cote, 84, of the Town of Oppenheim, New York passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024 in the comfort of his home with his two loving children, Lucie and Rick by his side.

He was born on June 29, 1940 in Riviere-a-Pierre, Quebec, Canada and was the son of the late, Maurice and Bertha (Cauchon) Cote. Frenchie received his education in Riviere-a-Pierre.

He was formerly married to Elizabeth “Betty” E. (Lemelin) Cote in Canada. Frenchie and his family moved from Canada to the USA in 1971. They settled in Potsdam, New York where he worked as a band saw filer. The family moved to MA, VT and in 1984 arrived in Dolgeville, New York, where Frenchie worked for North Hudson until the mill burned down. The Cote family has lived in Dolgeville for over 40 years now and consider Dolgeville their hometown.

He worked as a band saw filer for over 50 years throughout various companies in Canada and the New England states before settling in Dolgeville and making it his home.

In younger years, Frenchie enjoyed boating on the St. Lawrence River and snowmobiling. He was a member of the Sprite Club in Oppenheim, New York and enjoyed his time as a bartender there for several years.

Frenchie is known and loved by many local people and enjoyed hanging out at Stewarts, where he would visit his many friends. He was a great Dad to his two children. He had the biggest heart and anyone who met him could see that. Frenchie will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, all who knew him and all who were lucky enough to be his friend.

He is survived by his two children, Lucie M. Randall and her husband, Terry of Oppenheim, NY and Richard “Rick” J. Cote and his wife, Patricia of Jupiter, FL; their mother, Betty Cote of Oppenheim, NY; his grandchildren, Terry Randall, Jr. and Nicholas Randall and his fiancé, Mary Young, all of Oppenheim, NY; a great-granddaughter, Everly Rose Randall; and a large family of siblings including four brothers, one sister and all of their families of Canada.

He was predeceased by two cherished infant grandchildren, Gage M. Cote and Megan G. Cote.

In keeping with family wishes, there will be no services at this time. The family is being cared for by family friend, Noelle R. Miller and locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York, Cremations and Funerals.

The Cote Family would like to thank Lorainne Peets for all of her help in caring for Frenchie and keeping him supported, loved and comforted so he was able to remain home, and Mountain Valley Hospice of Gloversville, New York.

To leave a message of sympathy for Frenchie’s Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memory book.

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