Obituary of George R. Coote

George R. Coote, 89, of Rome, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Waterville, NY on June 27, 1935, son of the late Fred and Ruth Shoemaker Coote. George graduated from Rome Free Academy, class of 1953, and from Utica College with an Associate’s degree.

On June 11, 1960, he married Antonia (Toni) Esposito in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of 52 years.  She passed away March 11, 2012.

George was a veteran of the Army in a missile unit and proudly served in Guam, Okinawa, and Korea, receiving an Honor Metal for 823 Bombardment in 1958. After his active duty and reserve appointments, he started a career as a civilian at Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY. He worked in the 485^th Engineering Squadron as a Systems Analyst Supervisor, retiring after 42 years.

George enjoyed many sports and activities over the years, such as golf and softball leagues, traveling to Saratoga Racetrack with friends every August, and playing bocce at the Toccolano Club. He was an avid bowler and a member of the Rome Men’s Bowling Association since 1955. He was proud of his perfect 300 game bowled on December 7, 1999. George was inducted into the Rome Bowling Hall of Fame in 2000 and later served as the President of the Hall of Fame committee until his passing.

George also enjoyed socializing with friends and staff at the Turning Stone Keno Parlor. He took many trips to Atlantic City, Reno, and Las Vegas over the years. He loved crossword puzzles, answering Jeopardy questions, watching Professional Bowling, and his beloved New York Mets. One of his greatest joys was playing cards every Thursday night with his special card club friends.

He was a generous man, full of jokes and one-liners, loved animals, old movies, and bringing donuts to his sister’s house on Saturday morning. George kept his sense of humor and joy of life even in his final days. He will be remembered as a special person and missed every day.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, George Jr. and Sue Coote, Rome, a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Jeff Martin, National City, MI, and his beloved granddaughter, Sarah Coote, Ypsilanti, MI. Also surviving, is a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Leonard Skibitski, Rome, special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and so many more. He was predeceased by his loving wife Toni, and a sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Richard Wilson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Church with Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Family and friends may call at Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George’s name to the Marion Guild of St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome NY 13440

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com