COTI-WILLIAM

Excerpts from obituary published in Washington Post on 8/2/2020:

Colonel William A. Coti died on July 14, 2020 following a massive stroke.  Born July 7, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and fought in the Korean War.  He was part of the contingent who survived the Chosen Reservoir Campaign in 1950.  He exited the Marine Corps in 1953 to attend St. John’s University attaining a degree in psychology and later reenlisted as a commissioned officer.  After an extended tour in Vietnam, he entered the Marine Corps Reserve, retiring in 1991.  He then spent 20 years with the Department of Defense, including service with the Naval Investigative Service, and traveled the world, notably in the U.S.S.R. and the Horn of Africa.  During this time he was also stationed with his family in London, England, for five years.  Later in life, COL Coti rode and trained horses in cross country and dressage, a passion that began in England and ended in his 80s.  He will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his encouragement and mentorship, his generosity and humility.  An associate described him as a true professional who was proud of his status as a NIS Special Agent, but his first love was the Corps.  He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  He has been buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)