Ralph H. Cotton

Ralph H. Cotton, 98, of Top Notch Road, Little Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday,
December 18, 2025, at Valley Health Services, Herkimer, NY.
He was born on September 7, 1927, in Little Falls, NY, the only child of the late Robert N.
Cotton and Ruth (McAllister) Cotton.
A lifelong resident of Little Falls, Ralph built a life rooted in family, dedication, and community.
He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Joan (Stafford) Cotton, on August 4, 1951, at St.
Mary’s Church, Little Falls. Together they shared 63 years of marriage until her passing in 2015.
From a young age, Ralph worked on his family’s farm and later assisted neighboring farms with
custom field work. His career reflected his dedication to hard work and community, as he was
employed by GLF (now Agway), the Town of Little Falls Highway Department, ROA Express,
and R.K. Casadonte Heating & Cooling—during which time he also served as a Councilman for
the Town of Little Falls—before concluding his working years with the Herkimer County Highway
Department.
Ralph was deeply committed to organizations that reflected his interests and values and held
lifetime memberships with the Penguin Snowmobile Club (now the Ridge Runners), Elks Lodge
#42, the National Rifle Association, the Moose Club, and the Rod and Gun Club.
Ralph enjoyed traveling with his wife Joan, camping, snowmobiling, and especially spending
time at Cotton Camp, where many family memories were made.
Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-
grandfather who took great pride in his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Harold) Comstock; his sons, Robert (Diane) Cotton,
Donald Cotton and his companion Sylvia George, and Thomas (Shelley) Cotton; and his
grandchildren: Amy Comstock; Sherry Comstock and her companion Jamie Tomaso; Doug
Comstock and his companion Lisa Macri; Josh (Cheryl) Cotton; Kana (Rick) Brelinsky; Bobby
Cotton; Cody Cotton and his fiancée Ashley Fox; Brittney (Anthony) Viscomi; Halie (Brad)
Morse; Anne Marie (Ben) Pollard; and Katie (Nathan) Sammons.
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Molly Cotton; his granddaughter-in-law, Erin Cotton;
19 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his brother-in-
law, Richard L’Italien, of Chevy Chase, MD; his nephew, Mark Calicchia; and his cousins, Anna
and Richard Bailey.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ruth Cotton; his wife, Joan; his son, Gary;
his grandson, Matt; his sisters-in-law, Patricia Bauer and Rosemary L’Italien; and his parents-in-
law, Donald and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Stafford.

In keeping with Ralph’s wishes, funeral services and burial at Fairview Cemetery will be private
and held at the convenience of his family in the spring. Arrangements are under the caring
guidance of the locally owned and family-operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, 527 Albany
Street, Herkimer, NY (next to Hannaford Markets).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Herkimer County Office for the Aging –
Meals on Wheels Program.

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