Bruce M. Cotton

Bruce M. Cotton, 78, of Meriden and formerly of Southington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Midstate Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Leslie G. (Smith) Cotton for 55 years.

Bruce was born in Hartford on July 2, 1944, one of six sons, to the late Floyd Sr. and Irene (Buckley) Cotton and had been a longtime Southington resident. A cum laude graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, Bruce proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S Air Force during the Vietnam War era stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. He worked as a salesman for many years, retiring in 2012. Bruce was very active in the Southington community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, longtime member of the Republican Town Committee, including serving as town chairman, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, and a member of the American Legion. Known for his terrific sense of humor, Bruce loved to make people laugh. He also enjoyed hiking and was a huge fan of the NY Yankees and UCONN Basketball.

In addition to his wife Leslie, Bruce is survived by his daughter, Aimee Cotton Bogush and husband Paul of Bethany, his son Eric Cotton and wife Katie of Southington and four grandchildren: Emma, Annie, Julia and Madeline. He is also survived by his brother Keith of Broad Brook, CT, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson, Nathan, and his brothers, Philip, Floyd Jr. Norman and David.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association/Bridge the Gap fundraiser by visiting act.alz.org/goto/BridgetheGap.
 

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St. The family invites all to join them immediately after the calling hours for a celebration of Bruce’s life at Kinsmen Brewing Co. 409 Canal St., Milldale, CT.

Burial will be held privately in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.