Lewis W. "Lew" Cotterill's Obituary
Mr. Lewis W. “Lew” Cotterill, of Tavares, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at the age of 87 years. Lew was born in Freeville, NY and lived on the Cotterdale Farm in Dryden, NY. He graduated from Dryden High School in 1942. In 1945 he married his loving wife, Marjorie. In 1948, Lew started his career with GLF, which later became know as Agway. As he advanced in the company he was transferred several times. Starting in Cortland, NY, he was then Republican City Councilman for several years while living in Batavia, NY, where he managed the GLF Petroleum Plant. He later lived in Schroon Lake, NY before relocating to Tavares, FL in 1989. He was well known in the communities in which he lived and had a reputation of being gracious and helpful to all that met him. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tavares. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, 32 degree, for 65 years. Lew was President of the Lake County (FL) Shrine Club in 1992, was Potentate of the Orlando Bahia Shrine Center in 1998. He was President of the Tavares Lions Club for 2 years, assisted with the eyeglass program and was currently second Vice President on the board. Most of all, Lew was known for calling Bingo and his involvement in making the Bingo program, successful for the Shriners and the Lions Club. Lew is remembered by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie; son, Jim (Nancy) Cotterill of Indianapolis, IN; daughter, Shirley (Mac) Staley of Tavares; brothers, Clyde (Helen) Cotterill of Tavares and Clint (Jean) Cotterill of Dryden, NY; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Cotterill of Indianapolis, Ted Cotterill of Indianapolis, Tracey (Ron) Cappelli of Coxsackie, NY, Tammy Staley of New Baltimore, NY and Michal Staley of Freehold, NY; 8 great grandchildren, Annie Cappelli, Rebecca Cappelli, Brianna Staley-Ross, Allyssa Staley-Ross, Nick Staley, Jessica Staley, Katie Cotterill and Jack Cotterill; as well as several nieces and nephews. Gathering with viewing was held on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 1:00-3:00 & 5:00-7:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. A funeral ceremony took place at 11:00 am on Friday, April 15, 2011 in the funeral home chapel followed by the Masonic service, with burial following at Tavares Cemetery. A luncheon followed the burial at the Lake County Shrine Club, 424 N Duncan Dr. (Rt. 19) in Tavares. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lake County Shrine Club Transportation Fund (used to help fund transportation of children to and from the hospital), 424 N Duncan Dr., Tavares, FL 32778 or the Lions Club, PO Box 481, Tavares, FL 32778. Arrangements were entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremation, Tavares, FL, 352-343-4444. Condolences may be left for the family at www.SteversonHamlinHilbish.com
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