Charles A. "Chuck" Cotter

Charles A. “Chuck” Cotter, 86, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, passed away Tuesday August 18, 2026.

Born in New Bedford on January 31, 1940, he was the son of the late Harold Joseph Cotter and Anne (Woollum) Cotter. He was married to the late Carole (Harrison) Cotter for 39 years.

He is survived by his children, Carole Jerome, Beth Cotter, Michael Power, and Kathleen Sleutel; his sister, Sue Gulbranson and her husband Gary; seven grandchildren, Ian, Aaron, Emma, Harry, Lauren, Cailey, and Elizabeth; and a great-granddaughter, Zoe. He also leaves his partner in life of 20 years, Marilyn Saint-Aubin. He was predeceased by his son, Patrick Power.

Chuck was formerly employed as a regional manager for TJX Company. After his retirement, he worked as a bartender at the Country Club of New Bedford for 13 years where he was well liked by the club members and the staff.

Chuck and Marilyn enjoyed traveling together on many cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, as well as trips to Scotland and Ireland. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of the Marine Corps League. He was also a member of the Fall River Elks Lodge, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the New Bedford Port Society Board of Managers. Chuck was most proud of his community service in the Greater New Bedford area. He cooked breakfast at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, was a volunteer for the Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry and their Laundry Love program which served the low-income and homeless population, and as a bartender for community functions at Gifts to Give. Both he and Marilyn enjoyed playing the characters of Santa and Mrs. Claus at many Christmastime events.

He will be especially remembered as a kind and gentle man who was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4021, New Bedford, MA 02741. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.