Donald Stephen Cota of Lyndonville died Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at the age of 56. He was born in St. Albans, Vermont on Jan. 24, 1960, the son of Judith (O'Donnell) Cota, who predeceased him, and father Donald Edward Cota. Don graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1978. Later he became the owner and president of Vermont Aerospace. He originated and sponsored the golf program at LI. He began a legacy of success beginning in 2001 with the first state championship. An avid golf enthusiast, he served on the St. Johnsbury Country Club board for many years with a particular focus on the development of youth golf programs in the Northeast Kingdom. Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather (Boppa), uncle and devoted companion to his German Shepherd, Shelby. The most important thing in his life was his family, and he had a special place in his heart for his grandson, "Joshy". He enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Crystal Lake where he always had his famous Fourth of July fireworks. Don was a true Vermont outdoor enthusiast with passions ranging from fishing to hunting to gardening. He demonstrated this with his prized green beans that we enjoyed every holiday meal and his trophy deer displayed prominently. Don was an avid reader and could be found with a book in hand by the fireplace or on the porch at the lake. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of over 33 years, Sheryl Cota; three children: son Garrett Cota, companion Kristen Dwyer and grandson Joshy, daughter Krystal Cota, and son Taylor Cota all of Lyndonville; his father and step-mother Donald and Marge Cota; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Connie Beattie; brothers Scott Cota and wife Diane; Adam Cota; Drew Cota and wife Jordan; sister Roxanne Corrow and husband Carl; step-sister Dawn Regis and husband Mark; sister-in-laws Shari Austin and husband Neal, Jenny Ryan and husband Jamie, Dyan Gulovsen and husband Eric, and Kim Galleher and husband Henry as well as many very beloved nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private service to honor his life. Given Don's love of the St. Johnsbury Country Club, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The St. Johnsbury Country Club, PO Box 116, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.