Eugene Cottman Jr.

Eugene “Gene” Cottman, Jr., dedicated son, brother, fiancé, father of 10, and friend of many – passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 53 in Chester, PA. Gene was born on October 30, 1969, in Chester, PA to the late Eugene Cottman, Sr. and Lynne (Jackson) Cottman. He is the second of five children born from this union. Gene received his formal education in the Chester Upland School District. He worked at Carpet Doctor Commercial Services, LLC as an Environmental Specialist. Gene was never one to sit idle; during his free time, he enjoyed making his rounds doing Home Remodeling or Landscaping projects for family and friends. Gene was known to be the life of the party and his antics were legendary. When he walked into a room, his playful presence didn’t go unnoticed. He was also known to be a practical joker and kept everyone laughing. Even as a child, Gene would constantly prank his family and friends. He would often loosen the wheels on his skateboard and laugh at his siblings’ failed attempts at riding it. As an adult, he would dress up in a “Scream” costume and bring your child home in the late evening, just to laugh at your scared reaction. Let’s just say that being born on mischief night suited his personality well and those who knew him have their own stories to tell. Gene was especially proud of being a “Pop-Pop” and doted over his grandchildren. As an avid fisherman, you could find him posted along the water banks with his bucket hat and fishing rod. Gene would speak often about his prized shot glass collection. His one request while in your travels was to bring him back a shot glass, especially if you were traveling outside the country. He had glasses from all over the globe, extending from the United States to Bali, Indonesia. The last glass he received was brought back from Jamaica. During his downtime you could find Gene tending to his fish tanks, cooking on his massive grill, affectionately called “Big Bertha”, or watching his favorite football team, the New England Patriots. Gene leaves to cherish his memories: his adoring mother Lynne Cottman, his long-time partner and fiancé Tonia Burton, his children Shakera Montgomery (Randall) of FL., Shakyra Allen of VA., Kevin Thomas (Summer), Shamaar Cottman, Shaquille Cottman-Cuff of VA., Shanier Cottman, Shamyiah Cottman, Shayon Cottman, Shamaad Cottman, and eighteen grandchildren. Also to forever treasure his memory are his two godchildren, Ja’Lea Cottman and Jha’Nyiah Morgan, two sisters – Taunya Cottman and Constance Thomas (William), one brother Jamiel Cottman (Ericka) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gene is preceded in death by his daughter Shakonda Cottman-Cuff, his brother Conrad Cottman, and his godson Terrance L. Reason, Jr. What you saw was always what you got with Gene. And what you saw – if you were lucky enough to be his friend – was a truly delightful, generous, easy-going, fun-loving human being. Gene had so much goodness, so much capacity to bring happiness to others and such a bright future. “The world is a lesser place without him.” He will forever be missed. Until we meet again!

Eugene Cottman Jr.

October 30, 1969 - July 8, 2023