Carl P. Cotton, 84, passed away Tuesday morning July 28, 2026 at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.
Carl was born August 31, 1941 in Adrian in the town of Canisteo to the late James and Virginia (Cole) Cotton. On May 1, 1964 in Woodhull, he married the former Mary E. Greenfield who survives and resides in Canisteo.
Carl was a graduate of Hornell Highschool and life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley. After graduation, he went to work for the Erie/Lackawana Railroad and made a career working for the railroad system with Conrail and then GSX retiring with 42 years of service. He was a member of the Hornell Elks Club BPOE, the Loyal order of Moose Club in Hornell and a past member of the Hornell Lions Club.
Carl enjoyed his outings and time spent with his “railroad buddies” and the special golf weekends with family and friends. He also cherished the times spent at “Watchagoo” hunting camp with his son, grandson and the entire hunting party, where “heavy” stories and lots of laughs were had by all.
His greatest joy though, was spending time with his grandchildren, and when allowed, help make the “special” hamburger soup with Mary, LOL. Carl was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan as well as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a true gentleman who always had a pleasant and warm smile accompanying a friendly greeting.
In addition to his wife Mary of 62 years, Carl is survived by a daughter Amy (Scott) Grant of Woodhull, a son, Dennis (Leslie) Cotton of Canisteo, two grandchildren, Allison and Aaron Grant. He is also survived by siblings, Susan Campbell, Joanne Koon, Patricia (James) Eldridge, Cindy Creeley Paul Cotton, Steve (Connie) Cotton, Grant (Lynn) Cotton, his Greenfield-in-laws, Vivian, David (Kathy), Joe (Cheryl), sister-in-law Patty Greenfield, Mark Greenfield and Debbie Chase.
Carl was predeceased by a brother John Cotton, brothers-in-law, Paul and Jimmy Greenfield, Gary Koon and John Chase, his nephews, Andrew Eldridge, Todd and Darrin Greenfield.
The family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00 pm Saturday August 8, 2026 at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where a memorial service will take place immediately following calling hours at 1:00 pm. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow at the Canisteo American Legion at 2:00 pm.
Memorial contributions in Carl’s name may be made to the Canisteo Ambulance Fund, 14 South Main St. Canisteo, NY 14823 or to the Canisteo First Baptist Church, 45 Greenwood St. Canisteo, NY 14823.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
