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Frank J. DeCotis Obituary

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Frank J. DeCotis

Watervliet, NY

August 9, 1921 - October 29, 2015

Frank J. DeCotis Obituary

WATERVLIET - Frank J. De Cotis, a lifelong resident of Watervliet, passed into eternal life surrounded by his family on October 29, 2015. Frank was the son of Antonio and Maria De Cotis. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Mary Louise (Louise) DeCotis, Rose Smith of Lake City, Florida, Molly Burnside and Mary DeCotis, and a brother, John De Cotis (Florence). He is survived by his sister, Sister Gloria De Cotis, CSJ and his devoted wife, Shirley, of 34 years.

Frank graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1940. After graduation he was drafted into the US Army Air Corps and was a member of the 16th Weather Division stationed in Alberta, Canada. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He then attended and graduated from Siena College graduating in 1949. After Siena, he graduated from the Cornell Law School in 1953.

Prior to his marriage to his wife, Shirley, he was married to the former Kathryn Van De Car, who predeceased him in August of 1976. He is also survived by a son, Henry A. De Cotis (Barbara) and two grandchildren, Christopher M. De Cotis and Susan Crew (Geoff).

Frank is also survived by four stepchildren, Michael Pastore, Donna Malinoski, Gregory King, Gary King, three grandchildren, Bryan King, Eric King and Michael Groves (Lisa). He was proud of his great grandchildren, Marinda Cohn, Madison, Adam, Mathew and Lauren Groves. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces.

After graduation from Cornell, Frank entered into private practice in Troy, New York associating with Seymour Fox for many years. He was active in politics, serving as Assistant City Judge in Watervliet. In 1968, Frank left private practice and accepted a position with the New York State Department of Health, Counsel’s Office where he spent his entire State career. After 33 years of State service, he retired in 2001 at the age of 80. He continued a limited practice for the next 10 years working on family matters and performing pro bono work.

He was an active life member of the Watervliet VFW Post No. 729 and the Watervliet Elks Lodge No 1500, He especially enjoyed bowling at the Elks and the Cohoes Bowling Arena, golf and a friendly game of poker with his long-time friends, Pete DiPofi, Phil Light, Paul Conley, Bill Anderson, Jim Chartrand and others who enjoyed their time with Frank.

The family would also like to thank all of the health care professionals who attended to Frank and compassionately cared for him in his final days, especially Dr. Tahir Effendi who visited Frank at home during his final days.

Services will be held from Cummings Funeral Home, 643 Third Avenue in Watervliet. Friends and family are invited to calling hours at the funeral home on Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 3 o’clock PM to 7 o’clock, PM. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on 25th Street and 7th Avenue (2416 Seventh Avenue, Watervliet 12189) on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 11:30 o’clock AM. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s name can be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Watervliet or the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Albany, New York 12204.

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