Gerald “Jerry” Cotter

Gerald “Jerry” Cotter, age 80, of Alexandria Twp., NJ passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 after being involved in a plane crash in Kingston, NY.

He was born on November 6, 1944 in Newark, NJ. He spent his childhood in Irvington, NJ before moving to Roselle Park, and later Alexandria Township in 1999.

He was the son of the late Gerald and Edna Weaver Cotter.

He was the beloved husband to Kathleen McSweeney Cotter, celebrating 38 years of marriage.

Jerry currently owned and operated ‘G. Cotter Enterprises’ a specialty machine shop in Springfield, NJ.

Jerry loved aviation. He started with radio controlled planes and got his pilot license in 2004. He enjoyed his time at Sky Manor Airport with all his best buddies.

Jerry can be described as a man who loved adrenaline. In addition to flying, he enjoyed scuba diving, skiing and kayaking. He also loved building things and was known as ‘MacGyver’ to all his friends.

Survivors in addition to his loving wife include three daughters; Sandy Lidbury and her husband Craig of McHenry, IL, Dawn Cotter and husband Mike Janner of South Bound Brook, NJ and Samantha Tasiopoulos and her husband Chris of Stewartsville, NJ.  Two step-daughters; Terri Maloney and her husband Scott of Barnegat, NJ and Cindy Woulfe and her husband Joe of Trumbull, CT.  Eleven grandchildren; Heather Lowe, Brandy Fassnacht and her husband Keith, Kayla Maloney, Bryce Lidbury, Connor Maloney, Brody Lidbury, Orion Tasiopoulos, Winston Woulfe, Quintus Tasiopoulos, Phoebe Tasiopoulos and Hudson Woulfe.  Four great-grandchildren; Abigail Fassnacht, James Fassnacht, Peyton Moser and Gunner Moser.    

Predeceased by one grandson; Jamie Lowe who passed away in 2018.

Arrangements are under the direction of Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to SAFE in Hunterdon by visiting safeinhunterdon.org

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