William "Bill" A. Cotton

Prominent Business Man and Community Leader Passes Away

William A. “Bill” Cotton, longtime Athens Borough council president, fire chief, businessman, and loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully August 2, 2024 at his home surrounded by his adoring family.

Born on March 31, 1955 to parents Vern and Dorothy Cotton, he was an Athens Bulldog graduate of Athens High School, class of 1973. While at Athens High School he was a member of the Athens High School marching band, where he played trumpet and tuba; and the Boys Ensemble Chorus. After high school, he attended the Northeastern Training Institution for heavy equipment operation and began his construction career. He first worked with Jack Soper, a local contractor, and then also traveled across the country with Loram, a railroad track maintenance company. He was proud to recall his work in every state of the Union, but three.

He joined the United States Naval Reserve and became a member of the United States Naval Construction Battalions better known as the Seabees. One of the many places he was on assignment was Guantanamo Bay. Bill started his own construction company in 1989, Cotton’s Concrete Construction, Inc. He was so proud to have his son, Patrick, join the business and become part of the company. They shared so much from each other; senior wisdom and youthful new inventions, as well as a bonding, only father and son can have.

Bill loved following his son Patrick’s and daughter Molly’s sporting activities; from Little League and Youth Soccer to high school district level games of football, basketball, soccer, and traveling to watch his daughter play soccer in college. He enjoyed traveling in his truck with his wife, Mary. No distance was ever too long. His truck was a familiar site, as he surveyed all aspects of his beloved town of Athens.

During his tenure as Athens Boro Council president, he facilitated the quick recovery and clean-up of Athens Borough during the 2011 Flood. He coordinated efforts by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Chesapeake Gas Company, Bradford County Commissioners, and Athens Borough Council, He was instrumental in the building and construction of the Athens dike which gave citizens and businesses the confidence to rebuild.

He was a proud Lifetime member of the Athens Boro Fire Department Protection Hose Co. No.1, having become a young member at 18 years of age. He was a member of the fire department for 50 plus years, including the role as Fire Chief.

Bill is predeceased by his parents; Vern and Dorothy Cotton, sister, Marjorie Hoffman, infant sister Sandra May Cotton, and brother-in-law, Thomas O’Malley.

Bill is survived by his wife of 37years, Mary Catherine; his son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Amanda Cotton, his daughter and son-in-law, Molly and Daniel Lorenzi; his grandchildren; Levi and Luca Cotton, and Elijah and Madeline Lorenzi; his sister, Thelma O’Malley; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kathleen and Dr. Edward Jones, Laura and David Rosenbloom, James and Mary Robbins; along with several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A Time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 1pm-4pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11am at the funeral home with Fire Chaplain Linda Rogers officiating.

Burial will follow in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

The family would like to thank Guthrie Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit for their compassion and expert care for Bill which allowed him to keep his dignity and pride during this most difficult time of his life. They would also like to extend their gratitude to Guthrie Hospice for their care and support.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of one’s choice or the Athens Boro Fire Department Protection Hose Co. No 1, 2 South River Street, Athens, PA 18810.

For those unable to attend the services and are wishing to sign the E-guestbook, send condolences or flowers, may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.  

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