Obituary of William J. S. Cotton

William John Stanley CottonGENESEO - Died at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, (LCCNR) Mt. Morris, New York on December 19, 2008 at 90 years of age. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Arthur Cotton, and a son-in-law, Charles Perry. He is survived by his wife, Marie Catherine Cotton at the LCCNR; his sister Christine Maidment of Venice, Florida and sister-in-law Mary Ann Cotton Vinall of Bradenton, Florida; three children, Susan Perry of Lexington, Kentucky, Cheryl West of Irving, Texas and William A. Cotton (Brigid) of Geneseo, New York; three grandchildren, Ian Cotton of Hastings, England; Fiona Cotton of Geneseo, New York, and Sarah Perry of Lexington, Kentucky. Bill was born September 24, 1918 in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, the son of Norman and Alice Cotton. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fighter pilot on board the USS Saratoga, (CV-3), seeing action in the Pacific Theater in several battles including Rabaul and Tarawa. He retired from active duty in the Navy in 1945 but continued to serve in the Navy Reserve. Bill received a Bachelors Degree from Fredonia State University in 1946 and a master's degree and doctorate of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. He taught at State University of New York at Oneonta, and then moved to Minnesota in 1952 to teach at St. Cloud State University. He came to SUNY Geneseo in 1956 as Director of Education, and then served as a Professor of Education from 1970 until his retirement in 1989. He was recognized in 1986 for 30 years of service to the University. In retirement Bill carried on his passions of gardening and reading. Bill did not wish those who knew him to mourn his passing, therefore no calling hours will be observed. He said his life was good and his family, friends and colleagues were better. He could not have asked for more. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Geneseo Ambulance Fund, PO Box 428, Geneseo, NY 14454.