Jonathan Peter Coté, 55, Environmental Engineer

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FRAMINGHAM – Jonathan Peter Coté of Harwichport, died suddenly on Sunday, Dec 4, 2022. 

Devoted son of Sheila and Peter Coté of Natick. Loving father of Kyle Coté of East Boston and Boudewijn Coté of Burlington. Dear brother of Jennifer Coté of San Rafael, CA. Joyful cousin and friend to so many.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jon’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Saturday, December 17th from 1-4PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Cushing Memorial Chapel, 60 Dudley Rd, Framingham on Sunday, December 18 at 11:30AM.

Jon was born in Brighton, MA on August 17, 1967 and grew up in Natick.  From an early age, Jon embodied a spirit of fun and adventure and brought this energy to every group he was part of.  His contagious “joie de vivre” was equalled by his kindness, loyalty, and intelligence.

Jon took great pride in his hometown.  He loved the simple beauty and community of his Oakdale neighborhood and had the good fortune to walk to his elementary school.  It was here and later in high school, that he began to forge some of his lifelong friendships.  

Jon had many passions. The Patriots and Red Sox, especially in the high seasons! He loved any activity in the outdoors, whether a day on the slopes with his son, a river trip down the Rio with his buddies, or a good game of Corn Hole with his cousins.  He was a food enthusiast on both sides of the plate – quick to identify and share the best spots for delectable bites, and equally adept at creating delicious, comforting meals. He also loved his music, curating an eclectic library and gleefully sharing his favorites.  Any time spent with friends and families doing one or more of the above brought great joy to him and to those he was with.

Jon took a wonderful scenic path through higher education with stops along the way at University of Vermont, University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and finishing off at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, NM. He graduated there in 1997, earning a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Environmental Engineering.  

Jon’s impact as a professional began immediately after graduating.  His first job was as an Environmental Engineer for the Santa Ana Pueblo, working with community members to provide resource protection and restoration.  Within a few years, he was promoted to Director of the Natural Resources Department and led efforts on the Bosque Restoration Program, among other vital programs.  He felt great honor in working with the Indigenous People of Sandoval County. 

Jon loved his time in New Mexico.  He forged more lifelong friends, fell in love, and started a family.  He often noted that part of his heart was still in that state.  

When the pull of family and friends brought him east in 2002, he continued his land-based work with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Western Massachusetts.  NRCS’s mission is “harmony between people and land” and that mission seemed divinely suited for Jon. He had a huge impact over the past 20 years, first as an Agriculture Engineer and more recently as the Easement Program Manager.  Jon loved listening and learning; farmers and landowners enjoyed working with him and trusted his recommendation for improvements to their operations.  He became one of the most experienced field engineers in this area and provided his peers with excellent training and guidance.  According to his supervisor “Much of the work we do is legacy work, work that impacts the restoration and preservation of our natural resources for years. The good work Jon did on behalf of the US, the Agency, and the communities he worked on will be impactful for generations.” 

Of all the many achievements in his life, none was more important to him than being a father to two incredible sons, Kyle and Bou.  He loved them unconditionally, sought any opportunity to gather with them, and was so very proud of the young men they have become. 

It is hard to imagine a world without Jon’s vibrant life-force energy.  He made the party better.  Anyone who knows him can conjure up that grin, that laugh, that “let’s go” vibe.  He had a huge impact on all who knew him.  He was a full participant in life.  May we honor his memory by showing up for each other with joy, laughter, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to American Farmland Trust, www.farmland.org, or a conservation group of your choosing.

For online tributes or to share a memory with the Jon’s Family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com.

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