Robert Cotterman

Obituary of Robert W. Cotterman

 

 Robert Cotterman. Bob, as he was known to friends and family, passed away at the age of 90 at his Scotts Valley home on Sunday, April 8th​ ​, 2018.  Born in Dayton, Ohio, Bob attended local schools before serving his country in the US Army Air Corps towards the end of WWII.

 

Bob earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, MO thanks to the GI Bill.  He then began his career in government systems and electrical engineering for the Defense Department and NASA, among others. He was very proud to have been a contributing factor in the success of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and enjoyed sharing stories and photos of himself with the likes of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. He was a member of the Association of Old Crows (an organization for individuals who share interests in electronic warfare and engineering) and active in the Presbyterian Church.

 

His family will always remember not only his brilliant mind, warm heart, and Cheshire grin, but his ability to appreciate the beauty in nature, including the beautiful rose garden he loved working in. He leaves many dear friends at Montevalle of Scotts Valley, where he and his wife Marie have resided for the past 20 years.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marie Cotterman; daughter and son-in-law,

Valerie and Marty Marinovich of Gilroy, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Nancy

Cotterman of Virginia; and the luckiest grandchildren (and spouses) on the planet, Josh Rhinehart of San Francisco, Danielle Rhinehart and Sam Wardell of San Jose, CA, and Nick and Amber Marinovich of Hollister, CA.

 

A private memorial concluding with military honors will be held to honor and celebrate the life of this loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, much loved neighbor and friend,  Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

 

 

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Robert
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel