John J. Cotton Sr., loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many passed away at the age of 93 on July 29, 2021. He died peacefully in his sleep at home. John was the eldest of John and Helen Cotton’s five children. He was born in Chicago on November 9, 1927. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve in World War 2 and served for two years. On September 2, 1945 he was aboard the USS Niobrara in Tokyo Bay celebrating the signing of the surrender of Japan. After serving in the Navy he enlisted in the Air Force for an additional four years of service to our country.

John met Rose Grosso in July of 1950 in New York City while stationed at Mitchell Air Force Base. They were married on December 3, 1950 and had three children; John Jr., Robert Michael and Frances Helen. They spent the early years of their marriage living in New York City and spent the balance of their years in Chicago.

John is survived by his sons John (Velrah) and Bob; daughter Fran Miller (Tom); sister Agatha Hay, ten grandchildren Chris (Kim) Lowitzki, David (Courtney) Lowitzki, Bobby (Coley), Michelle Younkin (Nic), Michael (Alexandria), Joseph (Jessica), Katie Brumit (Will), John J. III, Teresa Brandt (Jon) and Joe Miller; and twelve great-grandchildren Jake and Hailey Lowitzki, Derek and Dylan Lowitzki, Adalynn and Landon Younkin, Hannah and Hayden Cotton, Alaina and Abigail Cotton, Xander Brandt, Sophie Brumit and lucky thirteen is on the way. He was preceded in his death by his wife of 64 years Rose, brothers (William and Robert) and sister (Mary).

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Childrens appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Countryside Funeral Home, 1640 Green Meadows Blvd. Streamwood, Illinois on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. A prayer service will take place at Countryside on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Info www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com or (630)289-8054